Real Madrid on Tuesday confirmed Santiago Solari as coach until 2021 following his successful stint as interim coach, leading the team to four wins in four games. Solari had taken over as interim coach after the sacking of Julen Lopetegui two weeks ago.
“Real Madrid's board of directors met today and decided to name Santiago Solari as first team coach until June 30, 2021,” the club announced in a statement. Solari's appointment as the permanent manager was approved by the Spanish soccer federation (RFEF).
Solari has established the best start for a Real Madrid coach in the club's history after leading the European Champions to four wins in four games, with 15 goals scored and conceding only two. This seems to have prompted the Spanish federation to reward the former Castilla 'B' team coach with a permanent contract.
The 42-year-old Argentinian was handed the reins as interim coach after Lopetegui's poor run as manager. After the miserable 5-1 loss against league leaders Barcelona, club president Florentino Perez gave the nod to axe Lopetegui.
Under Solari, Real Madrid have bounced back to their winning ways starting with a 4-0 win against Melilla. The club went on to thrash Valladolid and Celta Vigo in their La Liga matches, and established a thumping 5-0 victory over Plzen in the Champions League. Madrid is now only four points behind Barcelona.
Real Madrid's upcoming La Liga match against Eibar on November 25 would be Solari's maiden match as permanent coach of the team.
