Real Madrid, back where they were when Lopetegui was sacked
Just over two months after Julen Lopetegui was dismissed, Solari's team remain where they were then - seven points adrift of Barcelona in the league table.
Last night's draw in Vila-real wasn't how Real Madrid had hoped to start the New Year. Solari's team looked jumbled and devoid of self-belief - it's as though they themselves know something's missing. The result leaves Madrid exactly where they were when Julen Lopetegui was handed his marching orders following the 5-1 defeat at Camp Nou in Week 10 - seven points behind Barcelona in the standings.
Madrid stagnate in the league
In the 67 days since Lopetegui's dismissal, Madrid's league campaign has yet to get off the ground. Under Solari, the team have played 14 games in all competitions - the same as under Lopetegui's reign and while they've been doing well in Cup competitions, in LaLiga they are no better than Julen's Madrid or even Zidane's before him. So far, for the six wins, two draws and six defeats which Lopetegui's Madrid registered, Solari's team have 11 victories, one draw and two defeats in all competitions.
Of course some things have improved under the Argentinean - but not enough to revive Madrid's league campaign. And it's not for poor decision-making or not trying out new strategies - Solari has decided on Courtois over Keylor, given Odriozola and Reguilón more prominence, gradually started introducing Vinicius, punished the under-performing and ineffective Isco and Asensio and rewarded Lucas for all of his hard work... but in spite of all that, the team's still dropping points. And with all of those factors it's nigh on impossible to win the league.
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