La Liga
Opinion: Three Things Solari Needs To Win Silverware
It’s been two weeks since Santiago Solari took over as interim Real Madrid coach, following the sacking of Julen Lopetegui. At the moment, the Argentine has led the club to four wins out of four, conceding only twice.
As a result, the club’s board has made Solari’s role permanent. Although, three of the team’s four victories were against small opposition, the former player is already being praised for his management, style of play and demeanor.
Due to the team’s change in results, ‘Los Blancos‘ seem to have avoided a nightmare season and can now dream of trophies again. However, certain things remain to be sorted if the team wishes to win a title this season.
1. Under-Performing Players
World Cup finalist and potential Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric is accompanied by Marco Asensio and Toni Kroos as players currently not performing at their maximum potential.
While others such as Gareth Bale are simply failing to find the back of the net, the aforementioned are struggling on all fronts. Solari must somehow get the best out of his key squad members to remain competitive.
Modric may likely still be fatigued from a long World Cup campaign. Moreover, the Croatian was unable to enjoy his full holiday period. In this case, perhaps preserving the midfielder’s legs and utilizing Dani Ceballos is key.
On the other hand, Asensio appears to lack confidence. The young Spaniard must regain his scoring form if the ‘BBA’ is to be feared once more. Meanwhile, Kroos appears to be unable to adapt to the team’s changing dynamic.
Madrid’s new manager will need to direct the German midfielder and his teammates in the right direction if his team will challenge for all three trophies as they approach mid-season.
2. January Signings
Together with La Liga’s other giant clubs (Barcelona & Atletico), the thirteen time European champions are experiencing frequent injuries this year. In total, the whites have suffered 14 injuries since the start of the season.
Of the fourteen injuries, nine involve defenders. Fortunately, the international break gives the manager time for his player’s return to full health. Nevertheless, it appears an ever deeper squad is necessary going forward.
The club should not waste any time signing the much talked about Espanyol defender Mario Hermoso. The Madrid born player rose up through the ranks in the capital before going out on loan.
Having impressed greatly in Catalonia, there may never be a better time than now to return home. Equally, if rumors of a Exequiel Palacios’ arrival in January be true, Solari must integrate his countryman right away.
3. Gareth Bale
Another year in Spain and another year of failing to consistently deliver in front of goal. The Welshman has 5 goals from 15 appearances in 2018-2019 in all competitions. Hardly acceptable for the club’s most ever expensive signing.
By and large, the twenty nine year old manages to remain popular due to occasionally brilliant performances. Only to be followed by another spell of goal-less, disinterested or absentee performances.
One could say the speedy attacker was halfway out the door under Zinedine Zidane. However, two brilliant goals in the UCL final delivering a third consecutive UCL trophy was all it took to regain the support of the fans all over again.
The Argentinian coach must communicate that inconsistent performances from the former Tottenham player is not enough in a post-Ronaldo Real Madrid. A player of his caliber must deliver on his price tag or lose his place.
The new manager must bring an end to this cycle or pay the price later in the season. Whether it means selling their star player and purchasing a more consistent attacker or placing him on the bench. The ball is in Solari’s court.
Conclusion
The current state of affairs at the Bernabeu is one of hope. The results of their new coach reveals the answer to what many questioned. “Can this squad win without Cristiano Ronaldo?”. He replies, “Yes, they can.”
Regardless, a new question arises. “Can this squad win silverware?”. Santiago Solari has his endorsement, signing on til 2021. Should he deliver the goods this season, the former midfielder could follow in the footsteps of Zidane as player turned coach turned legend.
Photo credit to Dickson Dagogo via Flickr
