Real Madrid president Florentino: Pellegrini? Ask Valdano

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez hinted of a rift with general manager Jorge Valdano immediately after Sunday’s disappointing 1-1 draw with Malaga.

Sport says at the final whistle, Perez was approached by a reporter from Chile's El Mercurio to ask about the future of coach Manuel Pellegrini.

"Ask Valdano, it was he who brought him," was Perez's revealing response.

Yesterday, Pellegrini opened the door to taking charge of Chile's national team: "I regret that Real Madrid has not been a success, but one day I may lead to Chile to the World Cup."