As for Pellegrini – we’ll see, but the signs are good. A lot depends on how the club as a whole responds if the going goes bad and then we will really know where Pellegrini stands in Perez’s estimation. I have to say I like the fact that he has no qualms about benching stars who need rest or who simply haven’t done well, and that he’s pretty quick to respond to on-pitch situations. He seems to see the game as fans see it, and I don’t have fits of “what was he thinking when he started/subbed him?” etc. that you sometimes feel as a frustrated fan. He’s even managed to get the most consistent performances from Guti in recent memory!

Pellegrini is probably the most sensible person in Real Madrid City right now. As a fan, I’ll just be thankful for that while it lasts. I hope it does!