Real Madrid sports chief Pedja Mijatovic insists Bernd Schuster's departure was made in a mutual fashion. At the signing ceremony of new coach Juande Ramos, Mijatovic revealed: "After several meetings over the weekend and the beginning of this, I took the decision to dispense with the coach.

"I spoke with him and we discussed everything that has happened these past few months. It was a friendly meeting in which we discussed the difficulties of recent weeks. By mutual agreement we have made this decision, he accepted it very well, but obviously with sadness.

"It was a very pleasant meeting. For 18 months, Schuster did a great job, but in football there are periods of positive and negative form and this has finally led to this decision. I thank him for the Liga and Supa Copa."

Mijatovic added: "After our meeting, Bernd met with (president) Ramon Calderon and they spoke about everything. The president has never wanted to influence the football section nor has told us what we needed to do. It was a decision of the sports management and he has accepted it."