Is Pellegrini's Sacking The Harshest In Football's History?

Manuel Pellegrini has been sacked by Real Madrid in an expected move by club president, Florentino Perez. The decision clears the way for Jose Mourinho to come in with a clear task of bringing success back to the white half of Spain's capital, even though it will probably compromise the beliefs and expectations of the Real Madrid supporters who have been accustomed to seeing exciting, attacking football with their 'galacticos' taking the limelight.

Pellegrini finished the season without a trophy. Perhaps they were unfortunate, completing a campaign where the current team reached a club record total of 96 La Liga points. However, they were still second best to Barcelona, who beat them twice in La Liga.

Like Barca, Pellegrini's Real Madrid side should be praised for producing some wonderful performances throughout the season. They were resilient, keeping the title race alive until the final day of the season. So is Pellegrini's sacking one of the harshest in the history of professional football? Has Perez made a mistake with this decision?

I think Jose Mourinho will get results at Real Madrid, but you have to wonder whether he will get the time to have an effect. Pellegrini didn't, but then Mourinho is the president's man.

Pellegrini never was. However, with the current team being so close to Barcelona in the league, were Real Madrid that far away from being in a position to overtake them? I don't think they were.

The Barcelona team has been the best side in club football over the past two years - maybe one of the best ever. A key reason for this is that the backbone of the team has played together for a number of seasons, many without success. Sometimes you just need to be patient.

Florentino Perez has returned to Real and bankrolled big money moves for players who may not have been the manager's choice. Each individual's impact has varied. Ronaldo has been brilliant while Kaka and Benzema have underperformed. Surely Perez should take some of the blame for this? Besides, at least six of Real's regular starters this season were new faces. Any team needs time to gel. 

Admittedly, Real Madrid weren't convincing early in the season. This could be considered as an understatement when focussing on the Copa del Rey loss to Alcorcon, an unknown third division side, who triumphed 4-1 over two legs. Real's Champions League form was also patchy. They dropped points in the group stage, most notably to a poor Milan side at home. Real eventually went out in the second round to Lyon, losing 2-1 on aggregate. It is obvious that these failures cost Pellegrini his job in the end.

That said, from February onwards, Real Madrid looked unstoppable at times. Unfortunately, the only side to beat them was Barcelona. This made the difference in the final standings. Despite that, I believe Real Madrid were showing signs that they could be a force to be reckoned with next season. I can't help but think that they may have undone a lot of hard work and progression by sparking another summer of upheaval.

I concede that sometimes you have to take an opportunity while it is there and perhaps Mourinho is the man to eventually bring success back to the Bernabeu. His track record would make him the perfect candidate, but maybe it wasn't worth bringing in a new manager to fix problems. Maybe those problems aren't that big. Now the squad now faces a revamp. Even more new players will be blooded. Will they be given time to gel?

Maybe Perez should have been patient. I believe Pellegrini wasn't far from bringing the club success. If he could have delivered, it would undoubtedly be in a more attractive and exciting fashion than what 'The Special One' would likely produce. Teams under Jose's wing are successful, but Real Madrid like their teams to be memorable and envied.

I believe that fear drove Real Madrid to this decision. With Barcelona adding David Villa, and potentially Cesc Fabregas, to their squad, Real may sense that they will have to win ugly to overhaul this team.

Who's the best man to win ugly? Jose.