Jose Mourinho is coming under pressure as Real Madrid manager after his side lost 3-2 at Malaga last night

The capital club are now 16 points behind Barcelona in Spain's La Liga.

There are reports the former Chelsea manager has strained relationships with some of his players.

The Portuguese coach dropped club captain Iker Casillas with whom he has been at loggerheads.

The Spanish World Cup-winning keeper is a Real Madrid youth product who is arguably the most popular player among Real's fans.

Rift

There has also been a rift between the Spanish players like Sergio Ramos, Casillas and Xabi Alonso and the Portuguese contingent of Pepe, Cristiano Ronaldo and Fabio Coentrao.

One example that all was not well at the club involved Sergio Ramos earlier this season. During a league game the Spain centre-half wore team-mate Mesut Ozil jersey under his own after the German was dropped by Mourinho.

The move was interpreted as a barb aimed at his manager.

Madrid face Manchester United in the last 16 of the Champions League next year and there is a growing possibility that The Special One will not be in charge by the time that tie comes around.