October 30, 2009
After Real Madrid’s more than humiliating loss to third-league Alcorcon, trainer Manuel Pellegrini has been given an ultimatum: if Real fails to win against Getafe this weekend, Pellegrini’s contract will be terminated and he’ll be replaced as head trainer.
In Real’s last 5 games, three have resulted in losses (including the most embarrassing to Alcorcon, Sevilla, and AC Milan), one in a tie (Sporting Gijon), and one victory (Valladolid). They’re still in 2nd place in La Liga, 3 points clear of Sevilla and 3 points shy of Barcelona. They’re tied in their Group for 1st with AC Milan (who they play next week), I can’t find standings for the Copa del Rey and I don’t know how the rules work for advancement. However, if it’s like the CL and the aggregate score is what gets a team through to the next round, then Real will have to score 4 or more goals when they visit Alcorcon on the team’s home turf. They are in trouble in that respect.
They were also handed more happy news today. CR9, whom most of Madrid is probably blaming for the recent results Real has suffered, will be out for another week. He won’t play against Getafe this weekend, and he won’t play against AC Milan next week. Pellegrini had better say his prayers before those games start.
I give Pellegrini until the AC Milan game. I think this team is way too dependent on the Portuguese powerhouse, and as soon as he’s in form they’ll start winning again. The trouble is, Pellegrini might not be around to see that.
