Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti admits he is puzzled by the furore surrounding his side's indifferent start to the season - pointing out they are barely a month into the campaign.

Real have found themselves under fire after losing two of their opening three Primera Division matches, as well as being defeated by Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Supercopa on the eve of the new season. They face Deportivo today in La Liga action.

"We did well against Basel, and it's not the time to worry about that. We have to have the necessary calm because the season is long. One thing I'm sure of is that Real Madrid will fight to the end in all competitions.

"I don't understand the concern.

"Everybody should have faith in this team. We won the European Cup four months ago, and we could win it again."

Madrid have won on two of their last three visits to La Coruna, but prior to that, they went 18 years without tasting victory at the Riazor, and current Depor boss Victor Fernandez is hoping to cause more problems for their star-studded visitors.

He said: "I want us to go out to win. If we go out to draw, we will lose. We're not going to be suicidal, but we'll be different to the Eibar match (Depor won 1-0)."

While Madrid are still looking to get their league campaign up and running, many of their rivals have enjoyed impressive starts.

Barca are the only team with a 100 per cent record and have yet to concede a goal. And Luis Enrique's new-look side will be expected to continue their winning streak when they go to rock-bottom Levante.

Valencia are second ahead of their trip to Getafe on Monday, while Europa League winners Sevilla and reigning Primera Division champions Atletico are level on seven points with Los Che.

Sevilla travel to promoted Cordoba for an Andalusian derby on Sunday, while Atletico welcome fifth-placed Celta Vigo to the Vicente Calderon.