It is a packed news conference room at the Bernabeu, and there's movement at the front as a load of chaps in suits file out to sit on the front row. Should be go time any minute...

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Image source, Getty Images

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez calls a news conference just days after Tim Sherwood is reported, external to have been offered a job at a top-flight Spanish side.

Coincidence?

Yes, yes it is coincidence.

Andy West
Spanish football writer

"An article in Monday's Marca newspaper claims the Real squad has lost all faith in Rafael Benitez.

"Another report says players have taken to privately mocking their manager over his modest playing career and supposedly incomprehensible tactical instructions. , external

"They refer to him as 'number 10' - traditionally the intelligent playmaker who can read the game and see the spaces, things they do not think Benitez can do."

Read more from Andy West on Rafael Benitez here.

Back to why exactly Rafael Benitez is under a bit of pressure. Just 12 games into the season and the Spanish giants are already six points behind leaders Barcelona, who humiliated them in El Clasico on Saturday.

Men against boys was how Chris Waddle described it on BBC Radio 5 live that night, and you can't argue with that. They were utterly outclassed.

Cristiano Ronaldo was largely anonymous, and cut a frustrated figure throughout. He's been linked with a return to Manchester United over the weekend. Does the Portuguese forward want out?

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Tonight's Premier League clash does, however, put together two managers who have ambitions to one day be in charge of England.

"I believe I should be in the running whenever it comes round again," said Allardyce in his recent autobiography, serialised in the Sun last month., external "I’m ambitious and I still want the England job."

Pardew also let his interest be known last month, saying: "It’s the England  job. If you’re English and don’t want it then there must be something wrong with you.”

Who do you reckon would be the best man for the job and why? Let us know via #bbcfootball,, external text in on 81111 (UK only) and have your say on the Match of the Day Facebook, external page.

We are also running a vote on this page asking who would be better - Big Sam or Pards? The vote is open now and runs until 20:45 GMT. Check terms and conditions here.

Image source, Getty Images

This Real Madrid news conference is not the only reason we're here tonight, with Crystal Palace taking on Sunderland in the Premier League at 20:00 GMT.

It's Alan Pardew versus Sam Allardyce. A game between one team that has won just two games at home all season and another that is still searching for its first away win.

Yep, doesn't bode well for any sort of Monday night thriller, but you never know...

Image source, Marca

A news conference called out of the blue would suggest that some sort of drastic action has been taken, but reports in Spain suggest otherwise.

Marca suggests that Florentino Perez will speak in support of Benitez and "may even give the coach free rein to take any drastic measures that he sees fit."

We'll find out soon enough, with the news conference set to get under way in about 15 minutes.

Image source, Getty Images

Just five months after becoming Real Madrid boss, the pressure appears to be mounting on Rafael Benitez.

A 4-0 hammering at home to fierce rivals Barcelona in Saturday's El Clasico led to boos from Real fans, and a news conference with president Florentino Perez was called earlier today for 18:30 GMT tonight.

Is the axe about to fall on Benitez? Or will Perez give him is backing?