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Under-pressure Real Madrid head coach Rafael Benitez claims there is a campaign against him, his club and president Florentino Perez.
The former Napoli coach's position is under scrutiny following his team's performances, which included a shock 4-0 loss to rivals Barcelona – who are two points clear of them at the top of La Liga having played one match fewer – in El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu last month.
A turbulent first half of the season has also seen them expelled from the Copa del Rey for fielding the ineligible Denis Cheryshev against Cadiz in the round of 32.
Speaking ahead of Madrid's home Liga match against Real Sociedad on Wednesday, Benitez feels stories are consistently being manipulated to target him and the club.
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"It is clear there is a campaign against Madrid, against Florentino and against me," he said at his pre-match media conference.
"Everything that happens here is criticised or manipulated – anyone can appreciate this. I spent 11 years outside of Spain and my career is questioned. For this reason we know that all of us have to give more, starting with me.
"I knew from the start I was coming to a club where everything is magnified. It is a big club and there are positives and negatives to that.
"I have been 30 years in the dugout and had more than 1,400 games so I know how the world of football is and what Real Madrid mean. To solve it you have to concentrate on the job. I know I cannot let myself get distracted.
"I have spoken with Jose Angel Sanchez and with the president. My relationship with them is normal, friendly. The president was here today talking with me and the players.
"The team is much better than what people think – that has been reflected in some of the matches but we have to make sure that is shown in every game."
Benitez also rejected claims he has a poor relationship with much of the Real Madrid dressing room.
He continued: "Every decision I take is considered as a personal decision, so there is a lot of speculation. The campaign is obvious.
"I can guarantee that my relationship with the squad is much better than the media say. Some players are happier than others, but this happens in all squads. I can't waste time on that, I have to bring out the best in them.
"We have a 24-man squad, so 13 have to be left out very week. It seems to me people think when players are left out it is a personal decision and it is not it is technical.
"I can only pick 11 players, if people want to damage me and the club I can't do anything about that - all I can do is work.
"I want to win trophies here and that has not changed, but it is only something that can happen at the end of the season."