Former Real Madrid midfielder Santiago Solari has told the Daily Mail that he hopes to manage in England one day due to his admiration for the English game.
And the reason he first fell in love with football in England? Well, that is down to Leeds United. Speaking with the national publication, Solari, who was capped 11 times by Argentina, said that the Leeds team of 2001 are what first attracted him to the beautiful game over here.
Discussing coming up against David O’Leary’s Leeds United side back in the Champions League in 2001, Solari said: ‘They had a great side – Viduka, Ferdinand, Dacourt, Smith. I also played against Manchester United in the 2002-2003 quarter-finals – they were two beautiful games with many goals.”
Solari is from Argentina, so is obviously familiar with Bielsa, and he believes that his attacking style of play would be similar to that of Bielsa, and he is looking forward to bringing that to England as a manager at some point.
He said: “I’d love to coach in England. I watch a lot of Premier League football. It’s a top league enjoying a great moment in its history. There are many amazing players and some of the best coaches. There are many different nationalities, styles of play and four teams in the two European finals last year.”
The 43-year-old is currently without a job following his dismissal from Real Madrid after a short spell in charge of the youth teams at his former club. He is making the most of his free time by travelling around watching as much football as he can.
