Real Madrid are reportedly tempted to pull the plug on Santiago Solari's short-term tenure and replace him with one of Jose Mourinho or Mauricio Pochettino.
Solari was brought in on an initial caretaker basis in October following the sacking of Julen Lopetegui, before being awarded a long-term deal two weeks later.
Madrid's hand was forced somewhat, however, as Spanish rules state that a new permanent manager must be named within a fortnight of the old boss being ousted.
The 42-year-old has overseen a mixed set of results across his first four months in charge, but the heavy midweek loss to Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey has changed the mood behind the scenes at the Bernabeu.
According to the Evening Standard, another defeat to the same side on Saturday evening - with La Liga points on the line this time - will spell the end of Solari's reign.
Even victory may only keep the Argentine in the job for another few months, meanwhile, with Real bosses eyeing up one of Pochettino or Mourinho as their next permanent manager.
Mourinho has previous experience of managing Madrid and is currently out of work, while Pochettino is under contract with Tottenham Hotspur and it will take a big compensation package to persuade Spurs to let him leave.
Daniel Lewis
