Fill-in Solari not shy about expressing Real ambition

MADRID - Santiago Solari said he is open to becoming Real Madrid coach long-term after being put in temporary charge on Monday following the dismissal of Julen Lopetegui.

Solari has been promoted from his role as manager of the club's B team, Castilla, and oversaw training for the first time on Tuesday at Madrid's base in Valdebebas.

The Argentine, who spent five years playing for Madrid between 2000-05, will be in charge for its Copa del Rey match in Melilla on Wednesday. He has not ruled out becoming Lopetegui's permanent successor.

"I'm going to go into this very positively," Solari said at his opening media conference on Tuesday.

"I will do everything I can. It's a great opportunity and it's a great club. I don't just say that now as coach of the first team. I've been here with other teams, I've played and sweated in the shirt of this club.

"Madrid is bigger than all of us but it touches us all with its greatness. I want to be a part of it."

Solari is likely to remain in charge for Madrid's La Liga home match against Real Valladolid on Saturday and could stay on for next week's trip to Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League.

Madrid has sounded out former Chelsea and Juventus coach Antonio Conte. but initial talks have reportedly not gone smoothly.

Belgium boss Roberto Martinez and the club's former midfielder Guti have also been approached, while British media report that Real is keen on Tottenham's Argentine manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Solari, however, is the man at the helm and a run of positive results could turn opinion in his favor. Asked about his strategy against Melilla, he said: "The idea is to go there and play with balls".

Lopetegui paid the price for five defeats in seven matches, the last a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Barcelona on Sunday.

Solari believes the players are determined to turn things around.

"They are hurting, obviously, but eager to reverse the situation," he said. "This is a group of champions, warriors, who have won many things. The situation is not the easiest, but I have seen them eager to change it."

Solari was keen to dismiss comparisons with Zinedine Zidane, who also stepped up from coaching Castilla, before leading Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles.

"He's one of the greatest things we've ever had at this club," Solari said. "He's very calm, a great coach and nobody can compare to him."

Solari will be without defender Raphael Varane (abductor) and striker Mariano Diaz (hamstring) on Wednesday after the pair sustained injuries against Barca.

Any extended absence, particularly for France international Varane, would be a blow. After Plzen, Madrid will face Celta Vigo and Eibar in La Liga before a potentially decisive game away to Roma in the Champions League.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE