Life after Cristiano Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane has been really, really tough for Real Madrid.Los Blancos sacked Julen Lopetegui on Monday, one day after a humiliating 5-1 defeat to Barcelona in the league.The result leaves Real in ninth place the table and without a league win in five matches.Lopetegui’s departure was inevitable. Castilla boss Santiago Solari has been appointed interim coach while the search for a permanent replacement continues.There were reports that former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte would take over but the Italian has ruled himself out of the job, according to Sky Sports News.Conte doesn’t feel that the project is right for him.That project was tempting after Real won a third-straight Champions League title in Liverpool but it’s not quite so appealing now.

Sergio Ramos has tweeted

The players haven’t stepped up and we’re seeing just how important Ronaldo was to the club.

But captain Sergio Ramos believes the players have to shoulder the responsibility for Real’s form - and has called upon them to turn it around.

Ramos tweeted on Wednesday morning: “We are aware and feel responsible for this situation.

“But this is no time to talk, it's time to act. The first step begins today.

“We're aware and feel responsible for this situation. But this is no time to talk, it's time to act. Today's the first step #HalaMadrid”.

Pretty motivational stuff.

Real are facing serious adversity right now but there is enough experience and talent in the squad for them to improve.

Solari’s reign begins with a meeting against third-tier side Melilla in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday evening.

The Spaniard’s record with the B team isn’t anything to shout about, though.

Solari has led them to eighth and 11th-placed finishes in the Segunda B division during his two seasons in charge.

He’s going to need to get every ounce of effort from his players in his brief stint in charge.