Real's problems started with Monaco defeat, says Perez

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez says the club's woes started with last season's quarter-final Champions League exit at the hands of Monaco.

Nine times champions Real, who had built a 4-2 lead in the first leg at home, stumbled to a 3-1 defeat in the second leg.

"Everything started at Monaco. Just before, we had reached the King's Cup final and were leading the Primera Liga by eight points," Perez told sports daily L'Equipe on Friday.

"Since then, it is like there has been a psychological blockage. It is something the players did not get over."

But Perez is not worried by the current situation at the club and is very optimistic for the future. "Nobody has to worry, we will soon be back in our place", he said.

Real are second in the Liga, trailing leaders Barcelona by 11 points with 10 games left. They have been eliminated from the Champions League by Juventus and are out of the King's Cup.

Perez hinted there would be changes at the end of the season, but added: "Be sure there will be no revolution, only a little touching up."