Champions League: Real Madrid manager Santiago Solari proud of his team’s character
By Ben Sundock
Real Madrid manager Santiago Solari applauded his team’s efforts after a 2-0 win over AS Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday night. Here is what the gaffer had to say after his team captured the top spot in Group G.
It has been a very up and down week for the Champions League title holders and the manager of the club, Santiago Solari. After a shockingly terrible 3-0 defeat against Eibar over the weekend, Los Blancos needed a win in Italy to calm the unsettled fans.
Unlike in the Basque Country, Real Madrid weathered the early storm from its opponent and managed to grab the first goal after some panicked defending and a bit of luck.
"“Football matches last 90 minutes and we were able to manage things as the game progressed,” Solari told the press at the Stadio Olimpico. “We worked hard in the first half, although they had a clear chance at the end of the half following a mistake from us, which could have changed the complexion of the game.”"
Solari came under fire from the Madrid faithful after the woeful shutout loss in the league. Saturday was his first match as the full-time manager of the club and it could not have gone any worse. But, his bounce-back ability and the tactical changes made in a short turnaround was impressive.
Solari is well aware of the pressure on Real Madrid in the Champions League because of the club’s recent run of form in the competition, but he isn’t preoccupied with it. Why should he be when these players seem to show out in every UCL match?
One of the players the manager made note of in his remarks was central defensive midfielder, Marcos Llorente.
"“I’m thrilled with Marcos Llorente’s performance because he’s a player who always gives it 100%,” Solari said. “He’s a professional and example to follow. That’s why you saw him play like he did today. He comes in to give it his all every single day.”"
Llorente made his mark on the match and caused a lot of problems amongst the Roma forwards who never had a good look at goal after Lucas Vazquez put Real up 2-0 just before the hour mark.
One of the interesting side notes from the press conference was the questions regarding Isco’s absence from the squad despite being fit.
Solari said that the decision had nothing to do with form or health but it was simply a managerial decision that was made for this specific match. Despite what the boss might say, it is not truly known if Isco is back to 100 percent after having emergency surgery due to appendicitis.
dark. Next. Champions League: Three takeaways from Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over AS Roma
Solari will have to prepare his team for its third straight road match as Real Madrid will head east to take on Valencia Saturday night in La Liga play. As has been the case for the entire season, a win is crucial here to make sure the club does not fall further down the table.