Marcelo Tells Isco To Buck Up

By Joshua Walters

Real Madrid’s deputy skipper, Marcelo, has told Isco to work hard if he wants to get back into Los Blancos starting-IX.

Isco has not started under Santiago Solari and has played only 78 minutes in six games, all coming by way of come-ons.

The Spanish national team player’s last starting berth came under former manager Lopetegui in Real Madrid’s 5-1 lost against Barcelona in the El Classico.

The former Malaga player sat in the stands as Los Blancos beat AS Roma 2-0 on a Champions League night at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday, and Marcelo insists the player must buck up if he is to make the grade.

"I'm not the one to give advice,” Marcelo told reporters after the game. "We are grown-ups, fathers with families, and we know what we have to do.”

“All players want to play, but we need to work.”

“It is the same with all players. You must work. I'm not saying he is not working, but football is like this. To see that you are making a mistake and improve."