Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed criticism of his team's form.

Ancelotti was speaking ahead of today's clash with Espanyol.

He said, "I believe that the defensive aspect is the most important element, especially with this squad, which possesses extraordinary quality on the ball. The defensive aspect is a collective effort of sacrifice and recently we've been doing that really well. The team's much more solid, it's pressing much higher up the pitch than before and this gives us confidence.

"There're moments when the quality isn't apparent and the forwards can't hit the target, but the quality's there and sooner or later it'll pay off.

"I don't have to go back to 2015. This happens every year and when there's a slightly more challenging moment than normal, the criticism comes. There was criticism last year after Barcelona, at Everton too. It's my job and when it's pouring rain, I use my umbrella."

On Espanyol, he added: "They're a team that have something to fight for and every team is highly motivated, like every team. They'll be solid and very organised defensively, not allowing many spaces. They'll look to hit Joselu, who's extremely dangerous in the air. We'll have to be up for it because it's going to be a tough game."