Real Madrid star digs out teammates with 'collective' criticism

Real Madrid right-back Lucas Vazquez has hit out at the "collective" effort across the whole team following a challenging period for the reigning Spanish and European champions.

Madrid were beaten in the Champions League by AC Milan on Tuesday night, having also been humiliated by Barcelona at the Bernabeu in their most recent domestic fixture.

Carlo Ancelotti's team were tipped to dominate Europe again this season with the addition of Kylian Mbappe to an already stacked lineup. But the Frenchman is yet to hit top form, while his inclusion as the focal point of the attack has also changed Jude Bellingham's role and sidelined Rodrygo.

"The image we have given in these last few games, conceding so many goals, is not the one we wanted to give. When you concede so many goals it is difficult to win games," Vazquez said, via Marca, after the Milan result meant seven goals going in across just two games.

"Both defending and attacking is a collective issue and we have to give a lot more to be able to win games. Throughout every season there are always better and worse moments.

"We are going through a difficult and tough time. Things are not going the way we wanted but we have to stay calm and keep working. It is time for all of us to grit our teeth and take a step forward. This is our business and we are going to get through it."

Vazquez wasn't necessarily addressing Mbappe with his comments about the "collective", but the high profile summer arrival has caught the ire of fans after his running stats from the recent Clasico were revealed, putting in far less of the hard yards than his teammates.

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