Johan Cruyff has pondered on the future of Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini, and the former Barcelona coach has some sympathies with the Chilean.

According to Cruyff, los Merengues have no problem in undermining their coaches by limiting their freedom in their role - an issue that Pellegrini is currently facing.

"He's finding it difficult to settle in because there is a lot of pressure on him and there are new players," Cruyff reasoned to Sport.

"The coach is pretty good, but everyone knows that Real Madrid are in control. It's difficult [for Pellegrini] to lift a dressing room if the players know that other people are in command.

"This co-existence is very difficult, especially since the principle is wrong."

Cruyff also looked at Barcelona, where he believes that Pep Guardiola's task of retaining their plethora of titles has got off to a good start.

"We already know that the second year is more difficult, although you have to say that things are going quite well so far.

"[Guardiola] is very clever and knows how to resolve problems," Cruyff continued, although he added, "he does not expect to meet them."