Madrid parted company with Schuster by mutual consent yesterday and then unveiled former Sevilla and Tottenham boss Juande Ramos as his replacement.

Schuster had been under massive pressure following Sunday's 4-3 home defeat to Sevilla - Madrid's third defeat in four league games and a result that leaves the two-time reigning champions nine points adrift of leaders and arch rivals Barcelona.

But the final nail in his coffin seems to have been the comments he made following that defeat when just days before 'El Clasico' with Barca he claimed that "right now it is not possible to win at the Nou Camp".

However, Mijatovic denied that Schuster's exit was the consequence of one single event.

"We can't pinpoint one specific moment that made us reach this decision," said Mijatovic, who went before the media a fortnight ago to give Schuster a vote of confidence.

"Making a decision like this isn't easy and we had to make a very deep analysis of the situation of the team.

"Schuster's declaration the other day hasn't had any influence on our decision.

"Two weeks ago I said that we don't make difficult decisions like this easily."

Mijatovic added: "I had a meeting with him (Schuster) where we analysed all that had happened over the last few months.

"It was an amicable meeting, and we came to the mutual agreement to take this decision. He took the decision well, although with sadness because nobody wants to stop being coach of Real Madrid."

Schuster's successor Ramos has a huge task on his hands to get Madrid back into the title race, not least because the squad has been decimated by injuries, but the 54-year-old insists he is looking forward to the challenge.

"I would like to thank the board for their confidence - I face this job with excitement," said Ramos, who was a huge success in his previous spell in Spain, leading Sevilla to five trophies in just two years including back-to-back UEFA Cup titles.

"I hope I don't let anyone down and that I achieve the successes that this club has set for this season.

"Real Madrid are a club at which any professional dreams of working. Once you have the chance, it is practically impossible to say no. This is what happened.

"I've spent 20 years as a coach and thank God I've done quite well. I'm happy with the way my career has gone, but to arrive at a club like Real Madrid, I don't think there is anything higher."

Ramos moved quickly to give a different view on this weekend's clash with Barca than Schuster had offered.

"I think Real Madrid are a team who have to face any game with the highest hopes and desire to win it, as we are talking about one of the world's great teams," said Ramos.

"It is true that Barcelona are playing excellent football but Real Madrid have the character and prestige to go for a victory in any stadium in the world."

The rhetoric may have changed, but so far the players Ramos has put his faith in remain the same as those trusted by Schuster.

The Spaniard has named the same squad for tonight's Champions League encounter with Zenit St Petersburg as his predecessor selected for the defeat against Sevilla.