Schuster given ultimatum by troubled Real Madrid (News Feature)

By Duncan Shaw Nov 12, 2008, 9:45 GMT

Madrid - Bernd Schuster has reportedly been told by Real Madrid to win in Valladolid on Saturday or start packing his bags.

Madrid sports dailies AS and Marca said on Wednesday that Real have lost confidence in their controversial German coach after a shock cup elimination against third division side Union Irun the previous night.

Real beat Irun 4-3, with three goals from veteran captain Raul Gonzalez, but went out on away goals since they lost 3-2 in the little Basque port two weeks ago.

A 90th minute goal from Irun striker Eneko Romo silenced the Estadio Bernabeu - and completed the biggest upset in the 106-year history of the King's Cup.

Schuster had annoyed the 'madridista' fans by fielding a reserve-packed side.

He then raised eyebrows at the post-match press conference by saying that he 'didn't know' why his expensive team had conceded 32 goals in 18 official games this season.

When asked if he was worried about his job, he replied that 'I am not worried, but I understand that others are. Everyone must have doubts about the team and about my work. This is the most logical thing, given what we have seen.'

Real president Ramon Calderon then reportedly called an impromptu board meeting and Schuster was given the Valladolid ultimatum.

An online poll on Marca's website on Wednesday said that 60.93 per cent of readers believe that the German should be axed.

Marca said that Schuster's replacement would be Miguel Angel Portugal, sporting adviser to Calderon. AS suggested that another candidate for the burning bench could be 1980s hero and club junior team coach Michel.

Schuster's troubled team are joint third in La Liga - two points behind in-form leaders Barcelona - and second in Champions League Group H, four points behind leaders Juventus.

The outspoken German - who is very unpopular with journalists and referees in Spain - will face his 'High Noon' in Valladolid without injury victims Miguel Torres, Pepe, Mahamadou Diarra, Ruben de la Red, Arjen Robben and Ruud Van Nistelrooy.

In addition, defenders Fabio Cannavaro and Christoph Metzelder are doubtful after taking heavy knocks against Irun.