MADRID (Reuters) - With nine wins out of 11 since Santiago Solari replaced sacked coach Julen Lopetegui, Real Madrid should be full of optimism yet there was evident apathy from supporters and local media as they flew out to Abu Dhabi to defend their Club World Cup title. He urged fans to show their support rather than getting on the players' backs. This is Real Madrid, people are used to us winning all the time, and when things don't go well they put us under pressure, that can sometimes help but it'd be better if they cheered us instead." Coach Solari, meanwhile, dismissed the concerns of the fans and said the team were in fine shape. "I was very pleased with the fans' support during the game, they were with us but then their reaction to the final chance was normal," said the Argentine, whose side are fourth in La Liga.

Source: The Star December 16, 2018 12:56 UTC