Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has said he does not believe the renewal of his contract at the Bernabeu depends on whether he wins a major trophy this season.
The Italian, who guided Real to Champions League success last season, is under contract with the La Liga giants until the summer of 2016.
He said he had always known the job "was about winning" but told a news conference: "I don't think renewal depends on whether we win a trophy or not.
"The end of the season will be a good time to talk about it. It's not a problem if it doesn't happen -- my contract runs until June 2016.
"My objective here is always to win. Since the day I arrived I knew it was about winning. With every team I've taken charge of, it has been about winning trophies."
Former Real president Ramon Calderon praised Ancelotti for the calmness he had brought to the club following Jose Mourinho's turbulent reign, saying: "I think he has done a very good job, not only because he won the Champions League but because things are relaxed and everything is smooth.
"I have read that Joachim Low is one manager we would like -- but it is always rumour, and we will have the rumours until the next five months when it is decided whether definitely Ancelotti will be here."
Ancelotti's side, who play at Elche on Sunday, could lose their La Liga leadership to rivals Barcelona on Saturday, and the coach said: "There's always pressure because we have to play a tough match this week.
"We know that if we win, we will remain league leaders. That's our aim."
He said playmaker Luka Modric would be back in action next month as he continues his recovery from the thigh injury that has kept him out for three months, explaining: "He's feeling good and is very positive.
"On Thursday, he began training with the rest of the squad. Next week will be his first full session. Hopefully we'll be able to get him back playing in March.
"For sure, he'll play before 22 March and will be ready for the Clasico."