Maybe journalists criticise because they can't play football – Marcelo defends Lopetegui
Lopetegui's future in Madrid has come under fire following a five-match winless streak, though Tuesday's 2-1 Champions League victory over Viktoria Plzen offered some respite.
The former Spain head coach's position is still believed to be in doubt and Madrid left-back Marcelo hit out at the media as he backed the 52-year-old.
"It's hard when you don't win, but you talk about a crisis like you want to hurt this squad," said Marcelo, who scored in the much-needed triumph.
"All journalists try to hurt us, maybe it's envy because you don't know how to play football."
"In my view, he's doing a great job," Marcelo added.
Victory over Viktoria! pic.twitter.com/3OjnH8RYKR
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) October 23, 2018
Marcelo was forced off in the victory at the Santiago Bernabeu, where the Brazil international sustained a knock.
The 30-year-old, however, allayed fears ahead of Sunday's Clasico against LaLiga champions Barcelona.
"I feel good now. I took a hard blow and referees have to see those things," Marcelo said.
On Marcelo's fitness, Lopetegui said: "We must wait, it seems a very hard blow, not a muscle problem. I hope we can have him on Sunday."