Santiago Solari has reportedly been given the chance to prove himself as the right man to lead Real Madrid out of their La Liga mess over the next few weeks.
Media reports in Spain claim that the former Argentina international has been given four matches to demonstrate his suitability for the role, by club president Florentino Perez.
Solari, who won the Champions League and and two La Liga titles as a player with Real Madrid, was announced as interim manager on Monday, following the sacking of Julen Lopetegui.
Lopetegui lasted just four and a half months as Real Madrid boss, after he was controversially announced as their new manager, despite leading the Spanish national team at the World Cup.
His job was made even more difficult by the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus in the summer, and he chose not to replace him, preferring to focus on the players he already in his squad.
Solari, who has been managing the Real reserve side for the last two seasons, could find himself as a permanent option for Perez if he impresses in the next few weeks.
First up in La Liga for Solari is a home game against Real Valladolid this weekend, with the newly promoted side sitting in 6th place, two points above Real, down in 9th.
However will be without three of his first choice back four for that game, and is likely to be short of defensive options for the rest of November, with Marcelo, Raphael Varane and Dani Carvajal all sidelined.
Solari is likely to pair Jesus Vallejo with Sergio Ramos in central defence, Nacho Fernandez at right back, and fit again Alvaro Odriozola asked to slot in at left back.
This is far from ideal for Solari, but he will be hopeful that his attacking players can dominate, and take the pressure off his patched up defence.
After the clash with Real Valladolid, Solari’s side face four away games, which will likely decide whether or not he is given an opportunity at least until the end of the season – with games at Viktoria Plzen, Celta Vigo, Eibar and Roma.
Perez will be sounding out his other options during this time, with Belgium manager Roberto Martinez now believed to be on the shortlist, alongside Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino and former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte.
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