Lopetegui takes blame for Real crisis, says team capable of bouncing back

Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui said following a 5-1 mauling by arch-rivals Barcelona that he accepted responsibility for the club's crisis period but insisted the team can bounce back and achieve glory.

Lopetegui has been widely expected to receive the sack in the past few weeks following poor performances by arguably the world's most successful club.

The 5-1 defeat in the "El Clasico" derby against the Catalans has seen them slip all the way down to ninth in the league table, behind the likes of Getafe and Levante.

The manager said he wouldn't blame anyone should he be fired and defended his players, saying responsibility ultimately rested with him.

Barca manager Ernesto Valverde said he preferred not to see any manager sacked, including Lopetegui. He voiced satisfaction at the result and said he hoped it would help build momentum for the side in their bid to defend their league title.