Julen Lopetegui refused to be drawn on continued speculation over his future after Alaves turned up the heat yet further on the Real Madrid coach with a dramatic 1-0 stoppage-time victory at Mendizorrotza.
Lopetegui had called for a response from the midweek Champions League loss away to CSKA Moscow, which followed a disappointing goalless draw at home in the Madrid derby at a 3-0 La Liga defeat at Sevilla.
However, despite captain Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and Gareth Bale all coming back into the side, Los Blancos once again lacked a cutting edge.
The Welshman returned after a groin issue kept him out of the CSKA clash, but he did not finish the game as injury struck again in the second half. There was no confirmation from Real of the nature of the problem, but it could make Bale a doubt for Walesâ upcoming internationals against Wales and the Republic of Ireland.
Alaves conceded possession for large spells of the match, but remained in the contest and were rewarded in the fifth minute of added time when substitute Garcia headed in from close range.
Asked about his position at the post-match press conference, the Real boss said: âItâs not something Iâm concerned about, thatâs your job and Iâm sure youâll do it.
âI have to be outside that. We are in October. We have to remain calm from the inside in light of this negative situation.
âThe message (to the supporters) is that this team have been working like beasts for the last three months and they will get back to winning ways.â
Lopetegui, though, accepted the manner of the defeat was hard to take, while the loss of Bale and also Karim Benzema to injury was a further blow.
Lopetegui said: âKarim and Gareth had injuries, so we had to make decisions regarding changes. Thatâs football, thatâs the way it goes, and today all the negatives came out.
âThis run without key players isnât normal. Itâs also hugely important that we start scoring goals, and we will do that. The coach is always responsible.
âWe have the international break now, so we can get back to what weâre doing.â
Ramos offered his backing to the under-fire coach, saying a change in the dug-out would be âludicrousâ.
âAs a squad, it is not good when the coach is changed around,â he said on the club website. âIt would be ludicrous, this team are fighting for the top spots.
âIf people say Real Madrid are dead they are very wrong, we are going to fight to the death because it is our DNA and that is what we are used to doing.â
Saturdayâs victory was a first for Alaves over Real Madrid in 18 years.
Alaves coach Abelardo, whose side lie third, level on points at the top of the table with Barcelona and Real, told reporters: âWe played a great match. This was down to the merits of a fantastic team.
âWhere we are now is a dream, but our fight (for the season) is not over.â