Real Madrid vice-president Miguel Pardeza insists this weekend's clash at Barcelona will not affect coach Manuel Pellegrini's future.
It's been suggested a collapse by Real at the Nou Camp could see Pellegrini shown the door.
But Pardeza says: "Our play is difficult to assess because everything is inconsistent at the moment. It is not easy to adapt so quickly to the philosophy of play that Pellegrini wants, there's many games and little time to work on things.
"He needs time, as there is much to improve despite us being leaders."
On the subs' role for skipper Raul, Pardeza would not comment on the coach's decision-making, only saying: "Raul has shown over the years in Madrid his commitment and what a great footballer he is."