Real Madrid president Florentino Perez called coach Carlo Ancelotti to assure him of the board's support last week.

Ahead of last night's 5-0 thumping of Real Valladolid, Perez made contact with Ancelotti to give him a vote of confidence.

"We believe in you", Florentino insisted. Ancelotti, who is a thick-skinned character, nevertheless expressed his gratitude to the 'Los Blancos' supremo for his support, particularly as it comes at a time when the club is firmly under the media microscope, reports Marca.