Real Madrid attacker Marco Asensio denied reports that Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure was the reason for his team’s poor start to the season.

The European champions poor start to the season led to the sacking of Julen Lopetegui after just 14 matches, but new boss Santiago Solari has got the La Liga giants back on track with four successive wins.

But Asensio, 22, does not believe that Ronaldo’s switch to Juventus could be used as an excuse for Los Blancos’ struggles in front of goal.

“I don’t think so, really,” he told Marca on Thursday.

“We have players of the right quality to score goals, play well and win titles this year.”

Asensio, who made 53 appearances last season, believes Madrid are more composed under Solari.

“Above all, we take fewer risks. We are more vertical now and we rely on that a little,” he said.

“We stay compact in defence and in attack we try to be more clinical and be more effective.”