Real Madrid News
Santiago Solari’s brother shares his view on Real Madrid caretaker stint – ‘That is something…’
Real Madrid could see a temporary change in leadership at the upcoming Club World Cup.
With Carlo Ancelotti expected to leave the club after the La Liga season wraps up on May 25, talk has begun about who might take over—even if only for a short while. One name being quietly mentioned is Santiago Solari.
Santiago, a former Real Madrid player and coach, could be set for a return in a different role. His brother, Esteban Solari—currently managing Godoy Cruz in Argentina—spoke to ESPN (h/t Mundo Deportivo) about the possibility.
According to Esteban, Santiago has always had a strong relationship with Ancelotti. “I know he’s always close to Carlo Ancelotti; they get along very well. But Real Madrid is very big: Santi has been there for many years and is always at the club’s service.”
Esteban did not confirm anything directly but left the door wide open. When asked whether his brother might lead Real Madrid at the Club World Cup, he replied, “That’s something only Florentino Perez and Carlo Ancelotti know.”
While it was not a direct answer, it hinted that discussions might already be underway behind closed doors.
A transition before Xabi Alonso?
Many believe that Santiago Solari could act as a short-term solution, bridging the gap between Ancelotti’s departure and the expected arrival of Xabi Alonso.
This would give the club time to plan the transition properly, especially for such an important competition. Solari has experience with the team and is trusted within the club’s structure, making him a safe choice for a temporary role.
If this happens, it would be another chapter in Solari’s long journey with the club—one that began as a player and continued as a coach. And now, if all signs are right, it may see him stepping in at a crucial time to guide Real Madrid once more, even if only briefly.
Real Madrid have an interesting selection dilemma at left-back, with Marc Cucurella and Alvaro Carreras competing for a starting spot under Jose Mourinho.
While Cucurella brings experience and an established reputation, Carreras is making an increasingly convincing case to become the team’s first-choice option.
The battle between the two Spaniards is particularly relevant given Madrid’s defensive difficulties so far this season.
Mourinho is searching for greater defensive stability and has an important choice to make between Cucurella and Carreras.
Carreras offers the defensive security Madrid need
One of Carreras’ biggest strengths is his ability to defend in one-v-one situations.
The 23-year-old generally looks comfortable against direct wingers, showing patience in his positioning and making it difficult for opponents to get past him.
That defensive reliability is particularly valuable in Mourinho’s system, where full-backs can find themselves isolated when Madrid lose possession.
Cucurella, meanwhile, has occasionally looked vulnerable against opponents attacking him directly, with space opening up for crosses from his side.
With Vinicius Junior usually playing ahead of him, the former Chelsea man does not get the defensive support he needs from his winger, leaving him isolated.
However, Carreras’ case is not built entirely on defending. He is also comfortable carrying possession forward, driving into space and helping Madrid progress down the left flank.
This makes him an attractive option for a team that has struggled to progress the ball up the pitch as consistently as they would have hoped.
Cucurella still offers qualities Mourinho values
Despite the growing case for Carreras, Cucurella should not be dismissed, and his reputation should not be forgotten.
His experience, aggressive pressing and willingness to engage opponents higher up the pitch can be useful when Madrid want to pin back the opposition.
He is also capable of moving into central areas to support possession, giving Mourinho different tactical possibilities.
However, Cucurella’s attacking contributions have not always been as influential as expected during these early weeks.
The Spaniard made a name for himself at Chelsea and with Spain by getting into attacking positions and creating chances for his teammates.
At Madrid, however, with the team looking to pass the ball quickly to runners like Vinicius and Mbappe, the best aspect of Cucurella’s game has not come to the fore.
This makes defensive solidity the primary requirement for Madrid’s left-back, and it is here that Carreras seems to have an advantage over Cucurella.
Carreras deserves an extended opportunity
At this stage, Carreras has a strong argument for becoming Madrid’s preferred left-back.
His defensive qualities appear particularly suited to the team’s immediate needs, while his ability to carry possession ensures Madrid would not sacrifice much attacking potential.
Instead of treating the left-back role as a game of musical chairs, Mourinho would be better off giving one of the two an extended run to make the position their own.
Competition for places is healthy as long as it does not breed insecurity, and at the moment, Carreras seems to be in better form than Cucurella.
It will not be easy to justify benching a summer investment, but Mourinho’s job is to make those difficult calls, and it remains to be seen how he approaches this decision.
