Real Madrid interim manager Santiago Solari is confident the Spanish giants will overcome a poor run of results that led to the sacking of Julen Lopetegui.
Solari, who replaced Lopetegui at the helm on Monday, admitted the squad are hurting following Sunday’s 5-1 defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona.
The 42-year-old will get his tenure underway against third division side Melilla in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.
“I have found a group in pain but eager to start and reverse the situation,” Solari said. “It is a group of champions and warriors, it is not the easiest situation, but I see they want to turn it around.
“The idea is to go to Melilla and show a lot of character. I have great hopes. To work at Madrid is a great opportunity.”
However, the Argentine feels it will be unfair for him to be compared with Zinedine Zidane, who also coached the Castilla team before a successful three years in charge of Los Blancos.
“We have to leave Zidane in peace, he’s one of the biggest Madrid legends. ‘Zizou’ cannot be described, we must leave him alone in his greatness,” added Solari.
© TEAMtalk Media
