Marcelino is hanging onto his job at Real Zaragoza by his finger nails.

AS says the highly-rated coach has lost the dressing room - and the board - and could be sacked before Christmas.

Only victories over Athletic Bilbao and Real Madrid will see Marcelino remain charge after the winter recess.

Marcelino would have been shown the door earlier this season, it is said, if not for his €2.7 million salary. It took such an offer to lure Marcelino to Zaragoza, given his reputation, but this season has been a disaster.