Real Madrid’s director of institutional relations, Emilio Butragueno, has confirmed that coach Julen Lopetegui will be in charge of the club for Sunday’s Clasico clash against Barcelona at Camp Nou.
Lopetegui has been under huge pressure following a run of four defeats in five games ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash against Viktoria Plzen at the Santiago Bernabeu, and his job is still hanging by a thread after the 2-1 win over the Czech side.
But asked if the former Spain boss would still be in charge for the Clasico, Butragueno said: “Yes, yes. As normal. Absolutely.
"We need to prepare well for that game. In these type of situations, it’s important to maintain calm and trust in the players.”
And he added: “The match on Sunday is a great motivation to play a great game. We are living it with normality.
Real Madrid vs Barcelona | The history of El Clasico
"That’s football. We hear the rumours, but we live with optimism. I insist: normality.”
Following Tuesday's win, Lopetegui said of his Clasico fate: "It is not for me to answer.
"What I know is that we are thinking about and preparing for Sunday's game.
"It is very important and we will go there with ambition."
Madrid went off to jeers at the end after a narrow win which arrived thanks to goals from Karim Benzema and Marcelo, but only after Patrik Hrosovsky had netted late on for the visitors to set up a nervy finale at the Bernabeu.
“Madrid fans want to see their team play well,” Butragueno said.
“Madridistas are loyal and we have to try and change the dynamic between all of us.
"We always respect the fans, but it’s true that in delicate times we need their help.”
