Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes has weighed in with his opinion on Real Madrid's incredible fall from grace this season.
Zinedine Zidane won a Champions League and La Liga double last season but Madrid currently lie fourth in the table, 19 points behind Barcelona.
Heynckes, 72, is taking full advantage of Real Madrid's decision to send James Rodriguez on a two-year loan to Bayern.
"In his current form, obviously James is a godsend for Bayern," said Heynkes in a press conference this week.
"It was well known that James was no longer satisfied in Madrid.
"He didn't get the time that such a player deserves, and then it is logical to get the player in. James is an instant hit."
Heynckes managed Real Madrid for one season, winning the Champions League in 1998 whilst finishing fourth in La Liga.
He was given his marching order at the end of the season, despite leading Los Blancos to their first European Cup since 1966.
Heynckes identifies why Real Madrid are doing so badly
Asked why he thought Zidane's side were struggling this season, Heynckes suggested their transfer business over the summer was inadequate.
"They let three very good players go in the summer, in [Alvaro] Morata, Pepe and James, maybe to save on salaries," the Bayern boss said, as per Marca.
"They didn't spend big and they thought the youngsters could compensate.
"In reality, you need a good mix of youngsters and veterans."
Cristiano Ronaldo would surely agree
Real Madrid's Portuguese superstar said something very similar in November, following a 3-1 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League.
"If you ask me, sincerely, every team would miss their big players," Ronaldo said. “Obviously, Pepe was a great player, Morata, James -- all the players who left. They made us stronger, obviously.
“I’m not saying the players who arrived don’t also have this role, but they’re much younger. It’s their first season here with us."
Despite their substandard summer transfer window, Madrid elected not to make any new signings in the January transfer window.
Heynckes believes Madrid will beat PSG in their Champions League Round of 16 meeting.
"Nevertheless, you must not write off Real in the Champions League," added Heynckes. "They have much more experience than Paris Saint-Germain. Much more! I believe they will win the tie.
"They have a good team for playing in European competition."