Madrid, Whilst things could hardly have gotten
worse following the disastrous Clasico defeat to Barcelona, Real
Madrid have certainly exited the crisis that engulfed their season since
Santiago Solari took temporary charge.
Los Blancos continued their impressive run under the Argentine
with a 4-2 victory away to Celta Vigo yesterday, taking their streak to
four successive wins in all competitions.
Throughout those four matches, the team have scored 15 goals
and conceded just two, correcting two of the major problems within the
team that plagued the closing days of Julen Lopetegui’s spell in
charge.
Despite the obvious interest in Antonio Conte a fortnight ago,
Solari has worked wonders with the group and has earned enough
credit to take control of the team until Christmas.
There is still a lot of room for improvement, but with Barcelona
slipping up in spectacular fashion at home to Real Betis, things are
looking altogether more positive at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
Lopetegui’s team hit the woodwork 14 times during their record-
breaking goal drought, yet Solari’s appointment has seen the goal-
scoring touch return as if by magic.
After winning just one of their last seven matches before the
former Castilla coach’s debut on the bench, Los Blancos have
suddenly rediscovered their confidence.
They remain sixth in the LaLiga Santander table, but crucially
are just four points behind Barcelona heading into the busy festive
period.
The Madrid derby is due to take place at the Estadio Wanda
Metropolitano after the international break and this will represent
Solari’s first major test in terms of competitive opposition.
Whilst the Argentine had the huge task of bringing confidence
back to a dressing room bereft of self-belief, taking on the quality of
Los Colchoneros is another matter entirely.
A victory though will allow them to close the gap even further
on the chasing pack in the title race with Espanyol, Sevilla and
Deportivo Alaves all in the mix above the European champions.
As was the case when Zinedine Zidane took over from an ailing
Rafa Benitez, the players trust Solari and believe in his methods.
The reconnect between players and staff has been clear to see
although Lopetegui hadn’t lost the dressing room in the same way
Benitez had.
Solari is guaranteed to remain on the bench until at least
Christmas although Florentino Perez is keeping a close eye on the
coaching market even if happiness has, for now, returned to
Valdebebas, the Spanish MARCA newspaper reported.
Source: Oman News Agency