Madrid's Schuster Gets Ultimatum

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Bernd Schuster, Real Madrid (PA)

Real Madrid have plunged into crisis after being dumped out of the Copa del Rey overnight by Segunda B side, Real Unión. At least that is what the capital city-based sports daily, Marca is declaring.

The newspaper emblazoned the front page of its early Wednesday morning edition with the dreaded ‘C’ word in bold, capital letters just below an image of Raúl walking away hanging his head while the unheralded Unión heroes celebrate their historic achievement.

Now, Marca’s radio program, La Futbolería has reported that the Madrid hierarchy congregated for a brief emergency meeting immediately after the game at the Bernabéu, which Los Blancos won 4-3 but conceded one away goal too many, to discuss the team’s critical situation.

It is believed that the board members will consider the option of giving coach Bernd Schuster the sack if he fails to guide his team to victory at Real Valladolid this coming Saturday.

In the event of that happening, current technical secretary Miguel Ángel Portugal, the former Racing Santander and Real Madrid Castilla trainer, will take over the coaching duties on a temporary basis.

During the post-match conference last night after the Unión debacle, Schuster had proudly boomed that he was confident he will remain at the helm.

“I have no doubts that I will continue at my job, but I understand that other people have their doubts,” he said.

“It’s logical for them to doubt the team and my work… but we’ll see.”  

--KS Leong, Goal.com