Carlo Ancelotti has played down Isco's recent comments about his frustration at Real Madrid and said Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez had shown players must be ready to seize their chance.
Isco attracted widespread praise for his performances for Madrid during James Rodriguez's absence through injury.
However, he has found himself pushed back down the pecking order since the Colombian's return to fitness, and the midfielder told Canal Plus after the 1-0 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid this week that he was "not very happy" with his role.
However, Ancelotti told his prematch news conference that, like Hernandez and Nacho, Isco needed to focus on showing he is ready to deliver when called upon.
"No one enjoys not playing," the Italian said. "That also goes for Isco, Chicharito and Nacho. That's to be expected in football.
"It's not normal when that frustration causes you to react poorly on the pitch though. It's worrying if your frustration causes you to drop off in training. That hasn't been the case with either Isco or Chicharito.
"It's healthy for the squad to have players who are fighting for a place and working hard and diligently. Chicharito is a good example of that, he hasn't played much but because of his professionalism he was ready when it mattered."
Hernandez, who is on a season-long loan from Manchester United, scored the only goal of the tie against Atletico and Ancelotti said the Mexico international could prove his worth again during Sunday's visit to Celta Vigo.
"We have to make the most of his big moment," he said. "He is in very good form and will be an important player for us as we look to win tomorrow's [Sunday's] game."
On whether Hernandez would stay at the Bernabeu next season, Ancelotti added: "Chicharito's situation is quite clear and we will talk about it at the end of the season."
Real youth product Jese is another player to have had suffered from a lack of opportunities this season, and Ancelotti said of the 22-year-old: "I spoke to him, just like I've spoken to everyone.
"I understand his situation and get that he wants to play more. He needs to be ready because his chance could come at any moment, just as it did for Chicharito. His future is clear. He's staying here because he is an important player for the present and the future."