Sacked on the eve of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, his move to Los Blancos not only started with major pressure to succeed at the 13-time European champions - but also faced with the reality of Ronaldo pushing for an exit.

However, since the 33-year-old's club-record transfer to Juventus, the Spaniard believes they have a well and capable replacement already within their ranks.

"When I signed, Cristiano still belonged to Real Madrid but soon he expressed his desire to leave," Lopetegui told reporters in Miami at the ICC.

"As a coach, it is an exciting challenge to make a competitive team without Cristiano.

"[I have] recognition for one of the most important players in the history of Real Madrid, the club appreciated his legacy by facilitating his departure.

"We are convinced that [Gareth] Bale is going to have a great year and we expect a lot from him. We will work together for him to reach top form," he said insinuating that the Welshman will take over the mantle as the club's attacking talisman.

When quizzed about the strength of the current playing squad with fears that Ronaldo's absence may have a negative impact on the 2018/19 objectives, the former FC Porto coach dismissed the notion - while addressing their hotly debated transfer plans.

"We are delighted with the squad we have and are convinced that we will fight for all our objectives, and it cannot be any other way at Real Madrid.

"We want to be a great team on the pitch. If a player doesn't come or go, I will be a happy coach.

"We are not going to talk about hypotheticals. With the sq