Carlo Ancelotti demanded a reaction from his Real Madrid players when they return to LaLiga action this weekend after their defeat to Milan in the Champions League.
Ancelotti watched on as his side were well beaten at the Bernabeu by the Serie A side, with Malick Thiaw, Alvaro Morata and Tijjani Reijnders on target for the visitors.
The result followed a humiliating 4-0 defeat to rivals Barcelona in the Clasico, with Ancelotti losing consecutive home games for the first time as Los Blancos' head coach.
Madrid are already nine points behind Hansi Flick's side at the summit of LaLiga, though they have played a game less after their game away to Valencia was postponed.
They welcome Osasuna to the Spanish capital on Saturday, and Ancelotti is looking for a response from his side to get their season back on track.
"Osasuna are doing very well, playing brave football and well positioned in the table," Ancelotti told reporters.
"We see tomorrow as a great opportunity to get back to doing things right... at this moment in time, which is obviously difficult. We have a chance to get back to our best.
"We have analysed the situation. We think we have found the solution, but it has to be seen in practice. We want to see a different version tomorrow.
"I see the team united, motivated and aware. But we have to wait until tomorrow to see if we act in the right way."
And the Madrid boss has reason to be confident heading into their game on Saturday, having not lost in his eight LaLiga fixtures against Osasuna (W5 D3).
Only against Real Betis (W5 D4) has Ancelotti gone more games without defeat in the competition (eight, also against Elche, Granada and Almeria).
Ancelotti was, however, positive that Kylian Mbappe would return to his best form, having scored just once in his last six games in all competitions.
Mbappe was also left out of France's Nations League fixtures against Israel and Italy later this month, though Ancelotti believes this weekend's fixture provides an opportunity for his striker to silence the doubters.
"He's training well, he's going through a difficult moment... like each one of us," Ancelotti said.
"And like all of us, he has to think that this is an opportunity, that if he is clever he can get through it, but it requires more concentration and attitude.
"This is a strong, motivated group and the biggest club in the world. This is the best place to get through difficult times. And I am convinced that we will," he added.
'I'm still trying to crack the code' - Dyche working 'tirelessly' to address Everton form
Sean Dyche says he is working "tirelessly" to "crack the code" as he aims to turn Everton's fortunes around.
The Toffees sit just two points above the Premier League relegation zone, having only won two matches this season and gone five without victory.
Everton have also failed to score in their four most recent outings, and will be desperate to put things right against fellow strugglers Wolves on Wednesday.
And Dyche, whose contract expires at the end of this term, says he is working harder than he ever has before during his 13-year managerial career to get his side back on track.
"Sometimes me, my staff and the players haven't delivered as well as we could do," he said.
"But we work tirelessly. This is the most work I've done in all my years in management, at this club, without a shadow of a doubt.
"I'm more than ready for the challenge. It could be easier because, for sure, I've made errors this season, the team has made errors, they are there for all to see.
"It's a fact of life as a manager, you have to get the margins right, and we haven't done so far this season. You've got to win games, and we haven't won enough games.
"We've got ourselves in a position where we feel we should be doing better - myself included - and now it is about taking on the challenge. I'm still trying to crack the code, as others have done before me."
Defending champions All Saints United beat Garden Stars 3-1 in early top of the table clash in ABFA Premier League
Saturday’s triple header in the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) Premier League provided fans with an entertaining day of football with a total of 13 goals produced in the three games at the ABFA Technical Center.
The evening’s featured game saw defending champions All Saints United FC have to come from behind to hand Garden Stars their first defeat of the season with a 3-1 victory.
National striker Raheem Deterville gave All Saints an early lead in the 8th minute before Karique Knight equalised for Garden Stars eight minutes later.
Vashami Allen restored United’s lead in the 21st minute before Deterville secured his brace and the victory with a goal five minutes from full time.
With the win, All Saints United moved to the top of the table with 16 points from six games, the same amount of points as Aston Villa and Garden Stars who trail on goal difference by one and nine, respectively.
Green City FC emerged victorious in a five-goal thriller against Greenbay Hoppers FC, winning 3-2.
Kamali Looby gave Hoppers the lead in the 33rd minute before Carllon Warner equalised for Green City just before halftime.
However, six minutes into the second half, Kadeem Campbell restored Hoppers’ lead.
Green City did not fold, however, equalizing through Amali Colbourne in the 61st minuteto put the game back into a deadlock.
The Green City persistence paid off in the end as Elijah Whyte converted a 68th minute penalty to secure the three points.
The third matchup saw Pigotts Bullets SC pepper John Hughes FC, securing a comprehensive 4-0 victory.
An unfortunate own goal from Jamoy Stevens (33′) opened the scoring, followed by Akeem Isaac’s penalty three minutes later.
Goals from Xavier Smith (42′) and Tyrique Thwaites (45+2′ penalty) completed the rout before halftime as the victors continued their impressive season.
Arteta already sees Amorim influence on Man Utd
Mikel Arteta feels Ruben Amorim's influence is already visible in Manchester United's play, ahead of Arsenal facing the Red Devils in a huge matchup on Wednesday.
United have one win and one draw from two Premier League matches under the former Sporting CP coach, drawing 1-1 at Ipswich Town before crushing Everton 4-0.
On Wednesday, the United boss will face his toughest test yet as United visit the Emirates Stadium, where they have lost on seven of their last nine Premier League visits (one win, one draw), losing on their last three.
Last Sunday's comprehensive victory over Everton was the biggest ever managed by a permanent United boss in their first home league match at the helm.
They registered 59.9% possession, 630 total passes and three big chances in that match, with all of those figures bettering their per-game averages under former boss Erik ten Hag this term (52.2% possession, 494 passes and 2.9 big chances).
Arteta has been impressed by the swift nature of Amorim's impact, saying at Tuesday's pre-match press conference: "You can see his fingerprints already in how he wants to play.
"You know what he wants to do straight away, I think he's been very clear. He's been very successful with Sporting.
"It's remarkable after so many years what he achieved there, especially in the way he did it and the way his teams have been playing.
"He brings energy to the club, to the players, new ideas and that's always something that's positive.
"We focus on ourselves. We're on a good run and have good momentum. It will be a big and beautiful match against United."
Arsenal are currently trailing pacesetters Liverpool by nine points at the Premier League summit, with United six points further back in ninth place.
However, Arteta still thinks plenty of teams could catch Arne Slot's Reds – including United.
"We're still very early in the season. Any team that has the capacity to put wins in a row has a chance," the Spaniard said. "I think anything is possible."
Arsenal thrashed West Ham 5-2 last time out, with Bukayo Saka scoring a penalty and laying on two assists.
Saka has now provided 10 assists in Arsenal’s 13 Premier League games this season – only Harry Kane (11 in 2020-21), Cesc Fabregas (12 in 2014-15) and Mesut Ozil (12 in 2015-16) have reached double figures fewer games into a team's Premier League campaign.
Arteta feels the England international has made a visible step up this season, saying: "In terms of the numbers, yes.
"We see a shift from Bukayo every single year. He's more and more consistent. He can only improve and only get better. He wants more."
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