Santiago Solari will take charge of Real Madrid for the first time this evening, but speculation surrounding Julen Lopetegui’s long-term successor still rumbles on.
The Argentine was appointed interim head coach on Monday night following Lopetegui’s sacking, but names continue to be linked with the hot-seat at Santiago Bernabeu.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez, and Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho have all been linked with the position.
But tonight, Real and Solari have an awkward Copa del Rey clash with contend with, as they take on second tier side Melilla, in the north of Africa.
Stay tuned to our live blog for all the latest news and rumours surrounding Real Madrid, plus coverage of tonight’s Copa del Rey clash with expert analysis from our Spanish football correspondent Ben Hayward.
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Real Madrid's statement after sacking Lopetegui
"The Board of Directors of Real Madrid C. F., after a meeting today October 29, 2018, has agreed to terminate the contract that linked coach Julen Lopetegui with the club.
This decision, adopted from the highest level of responsibility, aims to change the dynamics of the first team, when all the objectives of this season are still achievable.
"The Board of Directors understands that there is a great disproportion between the quality of the staff of Real Madrid, which has eight players nominated for the next Ballon d’Or, something unprecedented in the history of the club, and the results obtained to date.
"The club thanks Julen Lopetegui and his entire technical team for their effort and work and wishes them the best in their professional career.
"He will be provisionally replaced by Santiago Solari, who will lead the first team starting tomorrow, Tuesday."
