A simple glimpse at the headlines from Monday's Champions League press conferences seemed to leave little doubt that
Julen Lopetegui is a dead man walking.
In Real Madrid's briefing ahead of Tuesday's fixture with Viktoria Plzen, the boss heard Isco launch a strong defence of his position, stating that if Lopetegui is sacked, the players should be too.
Meanwhile, more than 900 miles away in Manchester, the same topic was discussed as Jose Mourinho was quizzed about him to stepping in once the former Spain head coach is axed.