Real Madrid defender Christoph Metzelder will be staying at the Bernabeu, after reassurance from coach Manuel Pellegrini.

The Los Blancos have heralded a new era recently, and is busting to the seams with players.

It is this very overcrowding of 'Galacticos' that have made many a player's future uncertain.

A strong showing by Metzelder that saw Real beat Shamrock Rovers 1-0 in a pre-season opener seems to have helped him secure a place at the Bernabeu.

The German international also believes he can bag a regular first team spot.

Speaking to EFE, he said: "I spoke to Pellegrini about my future and I have decided to stay at Real Madrid. And the reason for that is because the coach told me that he wants to count on me for this season.

"I have never wanted to leave Madrid, even though I knew from the very beginning that there would always be a lot of competition for places at a club like this.

"The most important thing for me now is to be in good form and to fight for my place. I feel that this year, I will have the possibility to play more," he continued.

The Real revamp also saw a new coach come into the fold, one which Metzelder believes has introduced his own beliefs.

"His philosophy is to play quick football because he wants to take advantage of the quality that we have.

"He is someone who believes in hard work and good discipline.

"Madrid always have to play attractive football, but we also have to remember about the ‘workers', especially in the backline, and that with four or five attacking players, we must take extra care of our defensive work."

Metzelder has made 21 appearances for Real Madrid since he joined in 2007, whether he will be able to add to that figure will depend on how the club takes ‘care' of their defence.