Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon was willing to stand by coach Bernd Schuster before yesterday's sacking. Marca says Calderon met with Schuster in his office after the German had been dismissed by sports director Predrag Mijatovic in the afternoon.
"I trust you, Bernd," Calderon said. "But the Sports Department thought otherwise ..."
He also said: "We are not losing you for your words about the club last Sunday. The situation is more long-term, the time ... but it is not for what you said ... that it is impossible to win in Barcelona ... really."
Schuster listened attentively to Calderon and kindly said goodbye to him. The meeting was most cordial and the president was calmer after checking the reaction of German.