Real’s upturn sees Solari handed reins

– Santiago Solari (right) was this week confirmed as Real Madrid coach until 2021 following his successful spell in charge as caretaker boss of the European champions.

“Real Madrid’s board of directors met today and decided to name Santiago Solari as first team coach until June 30, 2021,” the club said in a statement.

Solari’s anointment as sacked Julen Lopetegui’s permanent successor comes after wins in his first four matches.

And with 15 goals scored and only two conceded the 42-yearold Argentinian has established the best ever start for a Real manager.

After thrashing Melilla in the

Madrid

Copa del Rey, they won 5-0 away to Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League, between victories over Real Valladolid and Celta Vigo in La Liga.

The upturn has left Madrid only four points adrift of league leaders Barcelona and on the brink of qualification for the last16 in Europe.

Solari was handed the reins on a two-week basis on October 29 after Lopetegui had overseen a miserable run that included just one victory in seven games.

The last of those, a 5-1 thumping at the hands of Barcelona, proved the final straw for club president Florentino Perez but the team have rebounded under their new coach. –