Real Madrid News
Real Madrid inform interim boss of his role as he prepares to take charge
As Real Madrid approach a crucial period, particularly with the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, the club is taking an interim approach to their managerial situation.
According to a report from Enrique Ortego, as relayed by RM4 Arab, Real Madrid’s football director, Santiago Solari, is poised to step in as the temporary coach.
This decision comes as the club undergo the imminent departure of Carlo Ancelotti, with Solari ready to take the helm in the short term.
The Argentine, who has previously managed Real Madrid’s first team and academy, has already been informed of his temporary role.
It is said that Solari will be tasked with leading the team through the challenges of the Club World Cup, as the club waits to confirm who will take over as permanent coach.
What is going on at Real Madrid?
It is widely believed that Ancelotti’s tenure is nearing its end, as the current season has not gone as planned for the Italian manager.
Despite this, the club has yet to publicly announce his departure, likely to avoid any disruption while the team still has a mathematical chance of winning La Liga.
The uncertainty surrounding Ancelotti’s exit has led to speculation about his replacement, with Xabi Alonso still viewed as the club’s top candidate. However, other potential candidates are still being considered.
Why Solari?
The decision to appoint Solari as a temporary solution is primarily driven by the timing and importance of the Club World Cup. Real Madrid’s executives believe that Solari, with his deep understanding of the club, is the best fit for this role.
The hope is that his leadership will ensure a smooth transition without adding pressure to a new manager, who would face criticism if the team did not perform well in such an important tournament.
Solari’s previous stint as Real Madrid’s head coach was mixed, with the club’s performance under his leadership not meeting expectations.
However, his familiarity with the team, as well as his respected position within the club, make him an ideal emergency option.
Solari’s confidence in taking on the role again is clear, and unless the future coach insists on immediately taking charge, Solari’s appointment will remain in place for the time being.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho reacts to Vinicius suspension: “Why announce it two hours before an important match?”
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has questioned the RFEF Disciplinary Committee’s decision to announce Vinicius Jr.’s four-match suspension just hours before their UEFA Champions League meeting with AS Roma on Wednesday.
The Brazilian has been hit with a four-match ban for his red card against Villarreal, meaning he will miss the matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander, and Valencia.
And, speaking to Movistar+ (h/t MARCA) before the match, the Real Madrid manager was asked whether the punishment could affect the Brazilian psychologically.
Mourinho instead turned his attention to the football authorities and the timing of their announcement.
“I think that is a question for the Committee. Why have they announced the suspension at this particular moment? If you are asking me this question, it is presumably because you think it could affect him,” the Portuguese coach replied.
“You should ask the Committee why they did not announce it this morning, or tomorrow morning. Why do they do it two hours before a match that is important for Real Madrid, which is a Spanish club?” he added, questioning the timing of the decision.
Mourinho explains his tactical approach against Roma
The Real Madrid manager also outlined his plan for facing a Roma side known for their aggressive pressing.
“My intention is to stop them from pressing us so high up the pitch, given the players we have available and as a precaution,” he said.
Continuing, the Portuguese manager added: “They press man-to-man higher up the pitch better than anyone else, and we will see whether we can take advantage of that. If not, they will have to drop their press five or ten metres.”
Why Rudiger over Huijsen
Mourinho also justified his decision to start Antonio Rudiger at centre-back alongside Ibrahima Konate rather than Dean Huijsen.
“They played very well together in the last match, Rudiger and Konate, showing great leadership and the ability to withstand a difficult situation when we had ten men for 30 minutes,” he said.
“I am not saying Dean is not capable of playing a match like this, but this is a wonderful atmosphere for Roma and a difficult one for us. I think a player with Antonio’s experience can be important,” Mourinho added.
Finally, Mourinho was asked about his emotions ahead of returning to face Roma, the club he managed between 2021 and 2024.
The Portuguese coach offered a brief response, saying that he had his feelings about the occasion “blocked”.
