Real Madrid has more suitors than Julia Roberts! Solari unconcerned by Mourinho rumours

Jose Mourinho is open to a return to Real Madrid, but the club's current coach Santiago Solari appears relaxed about the rumours.

Published : Mar 04, 2019 20:01 IST

Santiago Solari (L) compared Real Madrid to Julia Roberts (R)
Santiago Solari (L) compared Real Madrid to Julia Roberts (R)
lightbox-info

Santiago Solari (L) compared Real Madrid to Julia Roberts (R)

Santiago Solari is unperturbed by rumours linking Jose Mourinho with a return as Real Madrid coach, quipping that the club has always had more "suitors" than Hollywood actress Julia Roberts.

Solari took charge of the club in October after Julen Lopetegui's brief and underwhelming spell at the helm.

READ | Mourinho: Real Madrid 'soft' and 'unhappy' in El Clasico

Although Argentinian Solari has overseen an improvement, Madrid have rarely been outstanding and consecutive Clasico defeats to Barcelona in the last week have – according to some Spanish outlets – effectively written off his hopes of staying beyond the end of the season.

Mourinho has been out of a job since December when he was sacked by Manchester United, and he openly said on beIN SPORTS that he would have "no problem" returning to Madrid, calling the club "iconic".

But Solari is playing it cool, comically comparing Madrid to Roberts, perhaps most known for her role as the lead in 1990 hit 'Pretty Woman'.

"This club has always had more suitors than Julia Roberts," he told reporters at a news conference ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash with Ajax. "It's normal."

The bizarre scenario took another turn when a reporter asked whether Roberts would choose Solari or Mourinho.

"That's a good question. We would have to ask her," came the 42-year-old's response.

Luka Modric addressed the media prior to Solari and was also asked about the Mourinho stories.

He too was dismissive, though he offered no comparisons to any other well-known thespians.

"We don't pay attention to rumours," Modric said. "We're focused on ourselves. Everyone always talks about these things with Real Madrid and we can't avoid that."

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment