Queiroz unconcerned over his future despite European exit

Real Madrid coach Carlos Queiroz has taken full responsibility for his side's shock exit from the Champions League but says he will not be worrying about his long term future at the club.

"It was a very painful result for all of us," Queiroz said after his side's 3-1 defeat at Monaco that ensured the Ligue 1 side a surprise away goals victory in their Champions League quarter-final.

"We did not expect this to happen, but as coach of Real Madrid I take full responsibility when we don't get the results we want. As for my future, I am not concerned about what might happen. My job is to analyse the game and to worry about the present."

Queiroz said that he hoped the end of Real's dream of a domestic and European double would now have a positive effect on galvanising the team to win the Spanish league.

"Although we are very sad about what happened and it was a very negative experience for the club it could work to our advantage and open up the door to winning the league."

"I hope that the desire of the team to fight for the league will be greater than ever. This is the time for the whole team to stick together."

Real's sporting director Jorge Valdano refused to be drawn when asked by reporters about Queiroz's future at the club but stopped well short of giving the coach his full backing.

"We haven't even thought about whether or not Queiroz will stay on," he told reporters. "We will think about it calmly in due course. Tonight was a painful night and we will just have to see what happens."

Goalkeeper Iker Casillas struck a negative note about his team's elimination from Europe, saying that the team's form had been worrying him for some time.

"I could see this coming," he told Telemadrid radio after the game. "On other occasions luck has been on our side and the results have flattered us."

"I see the team from the back and know that we are not in good shape, although this is just my opinion and I know it isn't shared by the rest of the players."

"It isn't just a question of the team being tired, the fact is we let Monaco take control of the game and score three goals against us."

But club captain Raul was confident his side could bounce back from the defeat. "It is a big blow and no words can explain how disappointed we all are," he said.

"Monaco were simply the better side on the night. In the past month we have lost both the Cup and the Champions League, but this team has the character to get out of this situation and we are going to give it everything to win the league."

Real lead the Primera Liga by a point from Valencia and play Osasuna at home in their next league match on Sunday.