Real Madrid started the season firing on all corner, and even defeated Barcelona 3-1 in the El Clasico clash.

However, Madrid seemed to drop steam after the El Clasico game, and ended up losing their position at the top of the league to Barcelona.

Many have slammed the Madrid players for saving themselves for the World Cup, but Rodrygo has denied such allegations.

According to Rodrygo, the players gave their all on the pitch. But he admitted that the timing of the World Cup may have played its toll psychologically.

“We started the season very well and we did not lose any games. But it is true that after Madrid-Barça we lowered the level that we had,” Rodrygo told AS.

“Nobody relaxed by Qatar. Madrid always comes out to win. Let no one think that anyone here lowers their guard or does not put their leg in.

“It is true that a World Cup in November is something new. It can have an influence before the games, but when you’re on the pitch you do give everything to win and you forget about the World Cup and everything.”

Rodrygo explained that the defeat to Rayo Vallecano ‘hurt us a lot’, conceding: “We were not up to it…that night in Vallecas we didn’t play well. I think we could have been playing all night against Rayo and we wouldn’t have won.

“All the rivals against Madrid play the game of their lives and against other rivals they don’t play with that intensity. It is the greatness of Madrid and we assume it. We are used to that.”