The weeks keep passing by, and while everyone awaits a decision on Carlo Ancelotti’s future in the coming days, it remains a complete mystery who will be sitting on the Real Madrid bench to lead the team in the Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States in June and July. The club’s priority is for Xabi Alonso to take the reins. However, it’s very likely that Santiago Solari will take charge of the team during the tournament.

“He’s always at the club’s service”

Esteban Solari, current coach of Godoy Cruz, was asked about this possibility and expressed his hope that his brother Santiago would leave his front-office role and take on the responsibility of managing Real Madrid during the Club World Cup. However, he clarified that he has great respect for Carlo Ancelotti, with whom Santiago Solari shares a close relationship and has always defended in tough times.

“That’s a good question. I know he’s always very close to Carlo (Ancelotti) and they get along very well. We also know it’s a huge club. Santi has been there for many years and is always at the club’s service. It’s something only Florentino and Ancelotti must know,” said Esteban Solari regarding the rumors linking his brother to the Real Madrid coaching job.

How did Solari do at Real Madrid?

The truth is, Santiago Solari is a highly respected figure within Real Madrid. During his time as a player, he spent five seasons with the team before being transferred to Inter Milan for the 2005/2006 season. Later, after retiring at Peñarol in January 2011, he began training as a coach and joined the Real Madrid academy in the summer of 2013.

From there, he steadily climbed through the club’s youth ranks until November 2018, when he was given the chance to take over the first team after Julen Lopetegui was dismissed. In total, Santiago Solari managed Real Madrid for 52 matches during that season. His record included 27 wins, 12 draws, and 13 losses. He also won the Club World Cup — the only title of his managerial career.