Real Madrid are now in search of their third head coach of the year after the club announced the sacking of Julen Lopetegui on Monday.
The Spaniard succeeded Zinedine Zidane in June but the embarrassing 5-1 El Clasico loss to Barcelona on Sunday was their fifth loss in six games.
Real, Champions League winners for the past three years, are ninth in La Liga after their worst start since 2001-02. The Spanish giants have failed to win in La Liga since beating Espanyol on September 22, losing to Sevilla, Alaves, Levante and drawing with Atletico Madrid.
It was expected that former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte would take charge, but reported problems in negotiating a contract have led to suggestions Madrid could turn elsewhere, with Santi Solari placed in temporary charge.
A club statement read: “This decision, adopted from the highest level of responsibility, aims to change the dynamics of the first team, when all the objectives of this season are still achievable.
“The Board of Directors understands that there is a great disproportion between the quality of the staff of Real Madrid, which has eight players nominated for the next Golden Ball, something unprecedented in the history of the club, and the results obtained to date.” Solari will lead the first team from Tuesday and is expected to be in charge for the Copa del Rey game against Melilla on Wednesday.
Real have 14 out of a possible 30 points in the league this season and have taken only one from their past five matches. They are now six points above the Spanish top flight’s relegation places and seven behind leaders Barcelona.
