The future of Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane could be determined by the club's next three matches, according to a report.
After a disappointing 2-0 defeat in the Champions League group stages to Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday, speculation has mounted that the Frenchman could be sacked in the coming weeks.
ESPN reports that Zidane has the backing of Real Madrid's board and players, but further setbacks against Sevilla and Atletico Madrid in La Liga – with Los Blancos currently sitting seven points behind leaders Real Sociedad – and failing to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League, could decide the Frenchman's fate.
Reports have also suggested that the club are unhappy with Zidane's apparent lack of faith in the squad's youngsters, including midfielders Martin Odegaard and, in particular, Vinicius Junior.
Real have high hopes for the Brazilian winger but there is a feeling that Zidane does not share that confidence.
Vinicius, 20, has been involved in Real Madrid's previous five matches, during which time the club has only won once, conceding 11 goals in the process.
Oliver Thomas
