Real Madrid players give support to under-fire coach Ancelotti

Cristiano Ronaldo and other Real Madrid players have given a vote of support to under-pressure coach Carlo Ancelotti at the risk of upsetting club president Florentino Perez.

Everything points to Ancelotti, who a year ago took Real Madrid to the King's Cup and Champions League titles being sacked after a season in which his side finished second in the BBVA Primera Liga to FC Barcelona and were knocked out of the Champions League semi-final by Juventus.

When asked about his future on Friday Ancelotti said his feeling was that he would stay at Real Madrid, but when asked again following the 7-3 win at home to Getafe which saw his side end the season he commented that he would be talking to Perez on Monday or Tuesday and would either be at Madrid next season or take a year's sabbatical.

Although it looks as if Rafa Benitez could be named as Ancelotti's replacement this week, Ronaldo wasted no time in showing his support for the coach.

"Great coach and an incredible person, I hope we will work together next season," posted Ronaldo on his official 'Twitter' site.

James Rodriguez also made it clear that he wanted to see Ancelotti remain. "It would be really hard and very serious," said the Colombian.

"He (Ancelotti) came here two years ago, he came here two years ago, he knows what we are like and how we play, but it is not my decision," Rodriguez explained.

Midfielder Asier Illaramendi said Ancelotti had "a year left on his contract and he deserves to continue," while utility player Nacho Fernandez said, "Ancelotti is the Real Madrid coach and he deserves to carry on," before denying the players had not trained well under the guidance of the Italian. Endi