Cristiano Ronaldo thinks Real Madrid are in “crisis” – but chose not to discuss matters concerning his old club.
Rumours that Los Blancos boss Julen Lopetegui could be sacked are intensifying as the Spanish giants lie sixth in the league.
And one of the main issues seems to be that the club have not replaced Ronaldo.
The superstar attacker left to join Juventus in a £99million deal in the summer.
But Ronaldo, who was speaking at Old Trafford ahead of Juventus’ Champions League clash against Manchester United, preferred to concentrate on his own challenges.
He said: “I do not have to talk about other clubs, obviously everyone knows the history I’ve had with Real Madrid, but I think that it’s not the right time to talk about them.
“We have a match for Juventus, and if we win, we are through.
“I’m not the right person nor do I want to talk about crises or other problems at Real Madrid.”
Earlier in the day, Real Madrid midfielder Isco was asked whether Ronaldo leaving has instigated the slump that could see the boss booted.
He responded by saying: “[We] can not cry for a player who has not wanted to stay at Real Madrid.”
And the man himself responded to his former team-mate’s comments, saying: “Very good, very good, you can not cry “.
SunSport reported on the breaking news out of Spain last night that Madrid are reportedly “close” to sacking their manager.
And Los Blancos are believed to have already lined up his replacement – B team boss and former player Santiago Solari.
According to Sky Sources, the Spanish giants are poised to bring a premature end to Lopetegui’s tenure at the Bernabeu after only nine games of the La Liga season.
And Spanish newspaper Marca are reporting Real Madrid Castilla boss and former player Solari is the man primed to take the hotseat.
Former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is another on the shortlist, and he is joined by French gaffer Laurent Blanc.