The Spanish veteran is certain that the Liga champions will pose his Deportivo team-mates a significant threat on Saturday, despite their exertions in other competitions

Deportivo la Coruna midfielder Juan Carlos Valeron insists Real Madrid will be a force to be reckoned with on Saturday, despite their focus on competitions other than La Liga.

The Spanish champions have crucial Copa del Rey and Champions League fixtures with Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively on the horizon, but the 37-year-old is certain they will be up for the fight in the Primera Division.

“You never know if it can be good [that Madrid are not focused on the league]. Madrid are Madrid and they always come to win,” he told Marca.

“They have a great squad and it will be difficult, but we have to put that aside and concentrate on ourselves.”

Depor have endured a torrid campaign to date, with five defeats on the bounce leaving them two points adrift at the foot of the table, and Valeron concedes it has been a season to forget for the club.

“[Three coaching changes in a year] happened to me at Atletico and it was a year of decline,” he added.

“It has been a very difficult season, and not just in sport. These are things we have to live with. We are in a difficult situation after the last few months. The results have not come and we are looking increasingly low.

“We hope that we can return to winning ways.”