Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has sought to remind critics his team has been in transition for the past two years.

Real are reeling after their Champions League thrashing by Manchester City in the same week Barcelona were confirmed LaLiga champions.

Ancelotti said: "I'd need a long time to talk about that but I'll have a go. The transition began even before I arrived. This squad has done incredible things but they started to lose pieces back in 2018 when Cristiano Ronaldo left. From that point on, the talented youngsters started to come in. When I arrived, we lost others in Varane and Ramos. Later, Marcelo, Bale, Isco. Players who have been replaced by young kids with incredible quality.

"Vini Jr. grew into his role last year and no he's an undisputed starter. The same goes for Militão. Camavinga started to work his way in last year, playing from the bench in big games, as did Rodrygo. This year, Rodrygo, Valverde and Camavinga are all first names on the team-sheet.

"Tchouameni had a brilliant early part of the season and was starting every game. The transition has begun and will continue next season. The youngsters will have a greater role to play and the veterans will be involved less and less. That's normal in a transitional period. It will stop the day that Modrić, Kroos, Benzema, Carvajal and Nacho are no longer in the team."

“They are being dealt with seriously and professionally. There are talks ongoing with the club, they will make the decisions they see fit. It's in the players' court right now and everything will be cleared up at the end of the season."