It has been a rough ride for Real Madrid since their summer of discontent.
First Zinedine Zidane leaves after a trophy-laden spell, then star man Cristiano Ronaldo heads to Turin giants Juventus and then new boss Julen Lopetugui has a complete nightmare and gets himself sacked after just four months in the hot seat and an embarrassing 5-1 El Clasico hammering.
With speculation rife as to who may take over the coveted Real managers seat with Antonio Conte and Mauricio Pochettino heavily linked with the vacant seat, Los Blancos have promoted internally taking a leaf out of rivals Barcelona’s books.
But this is no fluke appointment.
Real Madrid confirmed on Monday that stand-in manager Santiago Solari has been given the job on a full-time basis and the job is well deserved.
Since stepping in for the sacked Lopetugui on the 29th October, Real’s nightmare start has turned into recoverable situation thanks to Solari’s patience and management.
Four games the former Atletico and Real player have been in charge for and four wins have followed.
It is not just the all-important wins that have impressed the big bosses, fifteen goals scored in those four games has been a remarkable return for a side without their talisman of the last decade in Cristiano Ronaldo.
After losing to Real Betis at the weekend, Barcelona’s grip at the top of La Liga has been loosened and Solari has dragged Real from ninth in the league to sixth and now just four points off the summit.
Suddenly, it is game on again thanks to Solari and he has been given his just reward.
Fortunately, Solari all but forced Real’s hand with his four wins from four games as Spanish rules dictate that no interim manager can stay in charge for longer than 14 days but the decision works in everyone’s favour.
Barcelona has proven that recruiting internally is a recipe for success, Pep Guardiola and Tito Vilanova both had spells at Barcelona B and Solari spent time as Real Madrid B coach.
Now the pressure will start to kick in big time for Solari as the gig is his but so far, he has more than proven he has the mettle to deal with the Real superstars.
But of course, only time will tell.
