The performances on the pitch may not have been entirely convincing at times, but Santiago Solari has brought about an upturn in fortunes since taking over from Julen Lopetegui at Real Madrid.
Lopetegui lasted just 14 games and on Thursday, away to Villarreal in Real’s rearranged fixture in La Liga, Solari took charge of Los Blancos for the 14th time. And even though he saw his side held to a 2-2 draw at the Estadio de la Ceramica, his numbers are already vastly superior.
The Argentine coach, originally appointed as an interim and then handed a two-and-a-half year contract after Lopetegui was dismissed at the end of October, has led Madrid to 11 wins in his 14 games, with just two defeats and one draw (the game against Villarreal). He has also claimed a trophy as his side won the Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi before Christmas.
By comparison, Lopetegui lost six of his 14 games in charge, with six wins and two draws. The Basque’s reign started in August as Madrid missed the chance to win the UEFA Super Cup with a 4-2 loss in extra time against Atletico and it ended after a humiliating 5-1 loss to Barcelona in the Clasico at Camp Nou.
There is no doubt that the former Spain boss oversaw many more difficult fixtures than Solari, including two Madrid derbies and that Clasico clash, while his successor has had easier Copa del Rey games against lower-league opposition and weaker rivals in the Club World Cup.
Nevertheless, the Argentine has lifted the mood since his arrival and drastically improved results. One of his two defeats also came in a dead rubber at home to CSKA Moscow in the Champions League, with his side already qualified for the last 16 as group winners.
Madrid are seven points behind Liga leaders Barcelona after Thursday night's 2-2 draw at Villarreal and Solari's side now face Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.
