MADRID: Real Madrid's president gave a cautious vote of confidence to under-fire coach Bernd Schuster on Monday, saying that "barring disaster" the German would stay until at least the end of the season.

"I have confidence in him," said Ramon Calderon.

"He is a coach who has shown that he is capable of winning the league with these same players."

But he warned: "The situation can change, we must be patient.

"With Schuster we are waiting until the end of the season, at least barring disaster, that is to say an untenable situation in which things are going very badly, or there is strong opposition to him from the public."
Double champions Real have suffered a number of recent defeats, and are currently fourth in the Primera Liga, six points behind leaders Barcelona.

On Saturday, they lost 3-1 to city rivals Getafe, and three weeks ago were embarrassingly ousted from the Spanish Cup by Third Division Real Union.

The poor results have led to press reports that Schuster, who joined Real in July 2007, could be on his way out.

Calderon also spoke of possible future signings at the club.

"I'm told that we were very close to signing a winger and a centre forward for January. I'm told they are very young and fast and they will strengthen the team."

Real lost Brazilian Robinho to Manchester City and failed to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United last summer.

They have also suffered a string of injuries, notably to Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who is out for the season after having knee surgery, and midfielder Arjen Robben. -- AFP