Real Madrid has appointed former midfielder and manager Santiago Solari as the new director of football. Having accumulated over 200 appearances for Madrid from 2000 to 2005, Solari returned to the Santiago Bernabeu after retiring, dedicating an extended period to the club’s youth sides from 2013 to 2018.
Solari’s commendable work as Castilla manager led to his elevation as the first-team’s caretaker manager in 2018 following Julen Lopetegui’s departure. After two weeks in the interim role, he secured a permanent position but his tenure concluded after just 28 games, leading him to assume a behind-the-scenes role.
Departing in December 2020, Solari took on the managerial position at Mexican side Club America for over a year before rejoining Real Madrid in November 2022, initially in an unspecified role. Recent reports from The Athletic reveal that Solari has assumed the position of director of football, succeeding former chief Manuel Fernandez.
Get Instantly Update By: Joining Our Whatapps and Telegram Channel
This marks a significant promotion for Solari, who has been actively involved with both the first team and the youth setup throughout the current season, frequently observed taking notes on the sidelines during European games.
In his new role, Solari will play a key role in business decisions and will participate in discussions regarding the club’s January transfer activities. Manager Carlo Ancelotti has emphasized the need for a new defender following David Alaba’s ACL injury.
Meanwhile, Manuel Fernandez has transitioned into the role of the club’s director of academy football.