Real Madrid star Isco insists Los Blancos are not a weaker team this season after poor start
Zinedine Zidane's men are currently in fourth place in La Liga, with many of their top performers including Cristiano Ronaldo struggling to fire on all cylinders
REAL MADRID star Isco has insisted Los Blancos aren't a weaker team this season, despite their stuttering start to the season.
The La Liga titleholders missed the chance to close the gap on leaders Barcelona to six points after a frustrating 0-0 draw at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.
The draw means that Real are now eight points adrift of league-leaders Barca and have dropped to fourth in the league standings.
The Spain international denied claims that Real are less competitive than they were last season.
Speaking post-match he said: "It's taking advantage a bit, when the results aren't coming, to say that the squad is weaker.
"Our squad is just as competitive as last year, and we haven't had all of the squad available yet because of injuries and that's important."
His points were echoed by teammate Casemiro who believes that Real are simply in a rough patch but they will improve.
"We had a chance to cut points and we played well. We had a lot of opportunities, but it's football, the ball didn't want to go in," said the Brazilian.
"But when it does, it won't stop, so we have to keep working."
Zinedine Zidane's men will look to get back to winning ways against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday.