Butragueno: Real Madrid players knew Luxemburgo was coming

Real Madrid's players weren't caught out by Thursday's shock announcement of Wanderlei Luxemburgo as their new coach.

"I told Raul before it became public, we had a short conversation," revealed Real vice-president Emilio Butragueno.

Butragueno insisted that bringing in a new coach was only natural after the appointment of Arrigo Sacchi as Real's new general manager.

"Of the different options that we had we thought of, Wanderlei is the best option to take charge in the present situation," said Butragueno.

"We were convinced that it was important to make a change for the team. When Sacchi arrived, we had already said that a new era was beginning."

"We decided a change of coach was needed after a very long meeting on Tuesday. We (Butragueno and Sacchi) then informed the president, Florentino Perez, before also telling Mariano Garcia Remon."

Sacchi also said: "It hurts me to make this decision. Mariano is a great coach and will continue working with me. But another great coach arrives, who has an excellent reputation in Brazil and can help us become even better."

"I believe the team can start playing attractive football again, which will satisfy everyone."