Real Madrid hand Solari the job full time

Real Madrid are set to appoint Santiago Solari as the club’s permanent manager, having held the post on an interim basis since 29 October. Real had been forced to act to hire Solari full time or fire him, as Spanish rules prevent any interim coach from staying in charge for longer than two weeks.

He took over from Julen Lopetgui whose hiring was announced just days before the World Cup while he was still Spain manager. He was subsequently sacked by the national side before the World Cup. The 42-year-old Argentine has since led Real to four wins in four games, the most successful start of any manager in the club’s history.

The Spanish Football Association says it has received Solari’s contract from the Bernabeu, although there has not yet been an announcement from Madrid giants.

Solari’s wins in his spell in charge have been against Melilla in the Copa del Rey, Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League, and Real Valladolid and Celta Vigo in La Liga. In those games, Real have scored 15 goals and conceded two goals.

The club were ninth when he assumed control and they are now sixth, four points behind leaders Barcelona.