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Real Madrid have more suitors than Julia Roberts - Santiago Solari

Real Madrid have more suitors than Julia Roberts - Santiago Solari
© Reuters
Jose Mourinho has been linked with replacing Solari.

Real Madrid boss Santiago Solari insists he is not fazed by the latest speculation linking Jose Mourinho with his job, describing the club as having "more suitors than Julia Roberts".

Mourinho, sacked by Manchester United in December, has been linked with a return to the club he managed between 2010 and 2013.

The pressure has increased on Solari ahead of Tuesday night's Champions League clash at home to Ajax after back-to-back defeats by Barcelona.

Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari says he is not fussed by speculation linking Jose Mourinho with his job
Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari says he is not fussed by speculation linking Jose Mourinho with his job (Manu Fernandez/AP)

Two high-profile losses in the space of four days saw Real crash out of the Copa Del Rey and fall 12 points behind their fierce rivals in the LaLiga standings.

The winners of the Champions League for the past three years have now lost three home games in a row for the first time in 15 years, but welcome Ajax to the Bernabeu with a 2-1 first-leg advantage as they look to progress to the last eight.

On the Mourinho speculation, Solari said at a press conference: "This club has always had more suitors than Julia Roberts, it's quite normal."

Real Madrid have lost twice to rivals Barcelona in the past week
Real Madrid have lost twice to rivals Barcelona in the past week (Manu Fernandez/AP)

Despite their poor run, midfielder Luka Modric insists the squad remain in high spirits and will not suffer a hangover when they take on the Eredivisie outfit.

"For us a Champions League match is always very important and especially tomorrow's game against a very good team who are young and ambitious," he said.

"Losing two games against your biggest rival is not something that makes you feel good. We're hurt, but the important thing is that tomorrow's game comes very soon and there is no time to dwell on it.

"We have to focus on the Champions League and try to forget what happened and put in a good performance, try to win. We're ready.

"We've worked well these last two days. In the games against Barca, especially in the cup, we did badly and that's why I think we have to continue and trust that the goals will come.

"We're in good spirits even though we have lost these two games."

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos is suspended
Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos is suspended (Nick Potts/PA)

Real will be without captain Sergio Ramos, who has been suspended for two matches after being found guilty of deliberately getting himself booked in the first leg.

His absence is one area four-time winners Ajax could look to exploit as they aim to reach the last eight for the first time since 2003.

Coach Erik Ten Hag said: "Sergio Ramos is suspended. I think he is the boss on the pitch and in the back line. Him being absent is not only a tactical loss for them but also a mental one.

"Our goal for tomorrow is clear and is the same for every game – scoring goals. This is Ajax, and we don't care about who we play, our intention will always be the same – dominate, score goals and win.

"We always have the intention to take the initiative. That's our style of playing football.

"For Real Madrid, this is the last chance to win something. We are still active on three fronts and our players are so ambitious they will try to win the three competitions."

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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona13110240122833
2Real Madrid1283125111427
3Atletico MadridAtletico137511971226
4Villarreal127322319424
5Osasuna136341720-321
6Athletic Bilbao135531913620
7Real BetisBetis135531412220
8Real Sociedad135351110118
9Mallorca135351010018
10GironaGirona135351617-118
11Celta Vigo135262022-217
12Rayo Vallecano124441313016
13Sevilla134361218-615
14Leganes133551316-314
15AlavesAlaves134181422-813
16Las PalmasLas Palmas133371622-612
17Getafe13175811-310
18Espanyol123181122-1110
19Real ValladolidValladolid132381025-159
20Valencia11146817-97


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