Carlo Ancelotti is crystal clear over what he expects from his Real Madrid squad in the final weeks of the 2024/25 season.
Amid swirling speculation over his future at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Ancelotti barely raised an eyebrow, as he looked ahead to a crucial run of games and the challenge of hauling back Barcelona.
Los Blancos were dumped out of the UEFA Champions League by Arsenal at the start of the month and the manner of their double defeat to Gunners has caused a rippled effect in Madrid.
Ancelotti now faces the very real prospect of being sacked this summer, with former Spain international Xabi Alonso waiting in the wings as his replacement, as he weighs up an offer to take charge of the Brazil national team.
As the dust has settled in Madrid, rumours of Ancelotti being fired after the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on April 26 look wide of the mark, with club president Florentino Perez keen to retain him until the end of the domestic campaign.
An interim solution could be sought for June's FIFA Club World Cup, if Alonso is not secured, but Ancelotti insists there is no thoughts of revenge on his mind as he focuses on two trophies for the cabinet.
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"Both titles [La Liga and Copa del Rey] come down to beating Barcelona. That's where we are, that's what we have to do," as per Marca.
"We can do it, but it's clear something needs to change.
"Every time there are problems, I'm asked if I'm too soft. This season I've got angry many times, but that doesn't mean I'm heavy handed. The key is to have respect, and be respected, you have to treat footballers as you would do with anyone in life.
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"I have never based relationships on being too hard. Sometimes I'm told to 'use the whip', that's not me, and if you want that, you should look for another coach. For me, that's not the way."
Real Madrid head to Getafe tonight [April 23] in league action, looking to close the La Liga title gap behind Barcelona, with Hansi Flick's team now seven points ahead, going into their huge El Clasico final meeting this weekend.
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