Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the press at the Santiago Bernabéu to discuss Real Madrid-Milan on Champions League matchday four: “The reality is what we're seeing on the pitch and something is lacking. We have to fix it. It's going to be a long night, that's normal. We all have to think about how we can improve things and find that solidity we had for such a long time, and that we're lacking right now. We're struggling to find that solidity. We've conceded 9 goals in recent games and that's far too many for a team that has built its foundation on being solid.”

“We created a lot of chances and lacked a bit of a clinical edge, but the key thing is how easily our opponents are finding attacking outlets. That's our main issue and we have to fix it. We can't be like we were tonight from a defensive point of view."

Tough spell as a coach
“There are difficult periods every year, when you have to fight, dig in and think about things. What is unusual, is that this team has been on a fantastic run and it's dropped off very quickly in recent games. That's part and parcel of football, but the good thing is you have chance to react quickly, and we have another home game so we can get back to being the team we were last year."

Is it unfair for people to question you?
“I don't think it's unfair. I think it's to be expected when the team is not producing their best, that is a coach's responsibility. It's important for all of us to have that sense of responsibility. When we win, we win together, and when it's time to dig in and fight, we have to do that together as well because that way we're far stronger."

“We all have to take a step up and the team is united and together in that sense. Suffering brings teams together and helps you get through the rough patch as quickly as possible. It's good that the players are gutted. It's going to be a very long night, but that's good because it means we're all thinking about how we can improve."

Is your message getting through to the players?

“It's a healthy dressing room. There is a lot of criticism around the attitude and the training sessions at the moment. You have to accept people's opinions, but we have to focus on the reality, which is that we're not playing well and we want to do better because otherwise we won't be in the mix come the end of the season. We have to fix things and improve defensively because that's where the key lies. I have to try and find solutions to put out a more balanced, solid side, but without going too mad with lots of changes. A few small tactical details could change things."

Do opposition teams run more than Real Madrid
“We didn't run more than the opposition last year and we won the Champions League. That's not an issue, it's about being more solid. We have to work together better. We've been unable to deliver an effective group performance. We have to work more on a collective level."

Do you believe this team will compete for trophies?
“We have faith this team is going to improve and compete in every competition, just like it always has done."

Valverde substitution
“Having people's opinions on social media isn't easy. I took him off because he wasn't 100%. He had a back issue and he didn't look quite right physically."

Tactical rigour of Italian football
“Italian football tends to be more closed tactically. We were far too open and we made life easy for Milan.”