Marcelo: Isco must work to fix 'mistake' to regain Real Madrid spot
The curious case of Isco continues at Real Madrid.
A fixture in the starting XI under Santiago Solari's predecessors Zinedine Zidane and Julen Lopetegui, the 26-year-old has found himself firmly out of favor under Solari in recent weeks since returning from an appendix problem.
The former Malaga man has not started any of Solari's first six games in charge, leading to speculation of a poor relationship between player and coach, suggestions Solari has refuted.
Now, senior Los Blancos player Marcelo has suggested Isco must work hard to improve if he is to salvage his career in the Spanish capital.
"All players want to play, but we need to work," Marcelo said, as quoted by ESPN's Dermot Corrigan. "It is the same with all players. You must work. I'm not saying (Isco) is not working, but football is like this. To see that you are making a mistake and improve."
Isco's Real struggles contrast sharply with his individual progress for the Spanish national team. The supremely talented playmaker's 11 caps and five goals for Spain in 2018 are his highest tallies in a calendar year, but that progress is not being reflected at the Bernabeu.
The man who was being tipped just months ago as the present and future of Real's midfield is now at risk of being frozen out on the sidelines.