The spotlight has been on Carlo Ancelotti’s future at Real Madrid for months, with questions swirling about whether the Italian tactician will see out the current season.
Real Madrid Line Up Santiago Solari as Interim Replacement for Carlo Ancelotti
While Xabi Alonso has been touted as a long-term successor for the summer, the club seems prepared to make a mid-season change if necessary—and they already have the perfect interim solution in mind.
According to reports, Santiago Solari has emerged as the club’s first choice to step in as a caretaker manager if the situation calls for an immediate transition.
Currently serving as Real Madrid’s football director, Solari is no stranger to the hot seat. The Argentine previously took on the interim role in 2018, following Julen Lopetegui’s dismissal, and guided the team during a turbulent phase.
Sources close to the club suggest Solari was put on standby earlier this season after a disappointing 3-1 loss to AC Milan in pre-season.
Although Real Madrid’s victory over Osasuna eased immediate pressure on Ancelotti, Solari remains the preferred fallback option if the club decides to act before season’s end.
Despite his initial reluctance, Solari understands the weight of responsibility and has reportedly agreed to step in if needed.
His deep understanding of the club, honed through years of experience with both the first team and Real Madrid Castilla, makes him a natural fit.
Moreover, his strong relationships with key dressing room leaders, cultivated during his earlier coaching tenure, position him as a stabilizing force in times of uncertainty.
While Solari’s last stint as interim manager ended in mixed results, his ability to navigate internal dynamics and his unwavering commitment to Real Madrid’s ethos have not gone unnoticed.
For now, the hope remains that Ancelotti can guide the team through a successful campaign, but with Solari waiting in the wings, Real Madrid are prepared for whatever twists the season may bring.
This proactive planning reflects a club unwilling to gamble with its future, showing once again why Real Madrid’s legacy as a footballing powerhouse endures.
