Salgado backs Capello after Real lose again

MADRID, Feb 5 (Reuters) Real Madrid defender Michel Salgado called for unity after Sunday's 1-0 home defeat to struggling Levante prompted fans to chant for the resignation of coach Fabio Capello and president Ramon Calderon.

It was Real's fourth league defeat in six and came days after the controversial decision to sell Brazilian striker Ronaldo to AC Milan. Outcast David Beckham was watching from the stands once again.

The nine-times European champions have only managed three goals in their last eight matches in all competitions, and they show little sign of improvement.

''You can understand that people are tired and bored because it has been like this for three and a half years,'' said Salgado.

''The only solution is to continue working. The blame is on everyone, not just the coach or the players. We have to back Capello. It is more important than ever to be united.'' Monday's sports daily Marca said: ''The Bernabeu have had enough,'' while AS said ''Capello is dragging them towards the abyss.'' In the post match press conference Capello said he was not considering resigning, and that his future was in the hands of the president.

Spanish media reported that Calderon had a meeting with sports director Predrag Mijatovic to discuss the situation on Sunday evening.

Capello signed a three-year contract with Real when he moved from Juventus last July.

Real, who have not won a major trophy since 2003, are out of the King's Cup and are fourth in the Primera Liga -- five points behind leaders Barcelona.

They face Bayern Munich in the Champions League first knockout round on Feb. 20.

Reuters SAM RN1640