Solari takes the reign as new Club America manager
To say America had a tumultuous end of the year would be an understatement. After being eliminated from the ConcaChampions by LAFC, El Piojo was relieved of his managerial duties by the team and ex-Real Madrid manager Santiago Solari was brought in.
Who Is Santiago Solari?
Santiago Solari is an Argentinian coach and former player who among others, played for Real Madrid and spent a year late in his career at Atlante. While he does not boast extensive managerial experience, he did coach his way through Real’s youth teams until becoming the first team’s caretaker and later full manager.
Solari managed Los Merengues for 32 games winning 22 games, drawing two, and losing eight averaging 2.5 points per match. Most impressive was the team averaged 2.21 goals per game in that span, however back to back defeats to Barcelona and being eliminated by Ajax in the Champions League were enough to see him fired.
Style of Play
Solari plays an offensive 4-3-3 formation, with a high defensive line, two attacking midfielders, and a defensive midfield. So what does this mean for Las Aguilas? Well, in short, Solari may be the right man to get them back to prominence. America’s current rosters play to his tactical preference and many players already on the squad have the qualities his formation demands.
While America’s defense was suspect last season, look for Solari to give youngster Ramon Juarez more playing time next to Aguilera until Bruno Valdez returns. Las Aguilas do lack offensive-minded wingbacks, but Solari may continue his trust of young players and look within America’s youth ranks for players to fill these roles. The recent addition of Pedro Aquino will help solidify America’s backline as he is the type of midfielder Solari needs for his teams to work. He wins 73% of his tackles and has an 87% pass accuracy which will help fill the void Guido Rodriguez left in Herrera’s side.
El Indiecito’s tactics may also unleash the full potential of Sebastian Cordova and Los Azul-Cremas attack. Cordova may become the focal point of Solari’s attack playing as an advanced playmaker a la Bruno Fernandes or KDB. Henry Martinez, Federico Vinas, and Leo Suarez will benefit from playing further up the pitch and aggressively pressing opposing defenses. Recently added Alan Medina and Sergio Diaz will give Solari depth and variations in the attack that were lacking at crucial times for El Piojo. The apparent departure of Roger Martinez and Andres Ibarguen may open the door for another international player to be purchased.
In conclusion, while Solari’s hiring has been scrutinized by some, it’s refreshing to see a club like America break the dinosaur carousel and bring in a new manager with different tactical philosophies into Liga MX. Will the gambit work? We will soon see.
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