Florentino Perez has given Rafa Benitez a public vote of confidence following a 4-0 Real Madrid loss to Barcelona.

Perez instead placed the blame on Carlo Ancelotti.

Perez said Real Madrid had suffered a “deterioration” that dates back to January, when Ancelotti was in charge. He said Benítez had been brought in to remedy that and he had to be “given time” and be “left alone to work”.

“Success will follow, for sure,” Pérez said. He also denied he had ever suggested a lineup to any of the 10 managers he has employed while president.

“I understand that the fans are upset about Saturday but we think now is the time to keep working with rigour, serenity and the unity of everyone,” he said. “Rafa Benítez has all our support and all our confidence. He was chosen because of his professionalism and his experience. He has the proven ability to get the best of this squad that had declined from January. Rafa has just started his work; let him work.”

Pérez added: “Until the last two weeks of the league we were unbeaten and sharing the leadership of the league, despite numerous injuries suffered at the start of the season.”

Perez believes Benitez is the solution to Real Madrid's problem.

“All our coaches have had autonomy. The thing is, we have a squad of very good players and choosing is sometimes different.”