Real Madrid midfielder Marco Asensio denied suggestions Cristiano Ronaldo's departure was the reason for his team's slow start to the season.
Madrid's poor start to the campaign led to the sacking of Julen Lopetegui, but Santiago Solari has managed to get the La Liga giant back on track. But Asensio does not believe that Ronaldo's move to Juventus in July could explain Madrid's struggles.
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"I don't think so, really," he told Marca . "We have players of the right quality to score goals, play well and win titles this year."
Safer approach
As caretaker, Solari led Madrid to four consecutive wins, enough to earn a contract until 2021, as it closed to within four points of league leader and rival Barcelona.
Asensio, who has a goal and an assist in La Liga this season, believes Madrid has become safer in its approach under the Argentinian. "Above all, we take less risks. We are more vertical now and we rely on that a little," he said. "We stay compact in defence and in attack we try to be more clinical and be more effective."
'Tranquility and confidence'
Asensio praised Solari's communication, saying the coach was clear with what he expected from his players. "For now, as far as I see, he doesn't talk much," he said. "But the words he says are always effective and he gets to the point telling each of us what he wants from us. He gives off tranquility and confidence, which is important, especially considering the circumstances we were in."
Madrid makes the trip to Eibar on Saturday in its first game after the international break.
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