During the match, my little 8 year-old brother said "I hope Real Madrid sack Bernd Schuster, he is a cold fish" and yes indeed, he is.

However, I feel sorry for him. He doesn't know how to handle the team when it is going through such a bad time and he doesn't REALLY realize what is wrong, and tonight, we lost 1-0 and the reason? Yeah as usual, the defense.

The German started with Casillas in goal, Ramos, Cannavaro, Heinze and Marcelo in defense while Gago, Guti and Javi Garcia all started in midfield with VDV and Higuain on the wings and captain Rau'l upfront.

I was surprised to see Javi Garcia in the starting lineup. I didn't know what he would add to the team and as I expected, he was totally absent.

Both of Gago and Guti were active, the later trying to build up games and feed the strikers, but we were overwhelmed by a better Valladolid side.

I thought it was wrong to play Higuain on the right because he is more comfortable playing as a striker and he always does well in that role. VDV looked shaky and was out-form. Sneijder who was sent in in the second half did a better job but unfortunately all of his shots were either blocked by their goalkeeper or went wide.

Real Valladolid vs Real Madrid - La Liga | 15/08/2008 - 20:00 CET | Nuevo Estadio José Zorrilla

Ruud is gone, and it is not gonna be fun.

This match is not only important to the team, but also to Bernd Schuster who is not sleeping at night. It could be his last match, and it could give him another chance, but one thing is certain, the German will do whatever he can to win it.

However, with many key players in the sickbay, his job won't be easy. Ruud out for the season, Robben for two months, De La Red still being rested, Torres, Pepe, Cannavaro and Metzelder still recovering, things are a bit complicated and no one at this moment wants to be in the trainer's shoes.

Lineup

So Schuster will have to wait until tomorrow to know if he can't count on Cannavaro, Pepe or Metzelder. As for Ramos, he'll be able to play after he used the Copa Del Rey game to serve his suspension.

In addition to the out-of-form Heinze, Schuster will have Javi Garcia, Salgado and Marcelo. However, the problem is, whoever is gonna play, the defense will still be weak. I don't know whats wrong, but it seems there is no harmony and connection between the back four. And honestly, Heinze' recent mistakes have cost us a lot so I hope he won't play.