Solari: “VAR relies on the rules being clear”

Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari spoke to the media after Tuesday’s training session, just one day ahead of the team’s Copa del Rey match against Leganes. The coach talked about VAR after all the controversy during the 0-2 loss on Sunday.

“VAR relies on the rules being clear. If they are clear and they are always applied in the same type of actions and decisions, that makes it easier for everyone to understand: player, press and fans. There needs to be a period to make it perfect. The other day we weren’t complaining, we were defending ourselves and that is a legitimate right,” said Solari.

New signing Brahim Diaz could make his debut for the club if Manchester City and Real Madrid complete all the paperwork.

“He was good in training and is happy to be at Real Madrid. His choice of number [Solari wore number 21 as well] was a good one. Whether or not he plays tomorrow will depend on the administrative side,” explained the coach.

Real Madrid tend to take these games against smaller opposition in the Copa del Rey a bit too lightly, but Solari hopes that his men don’t do that tomorrow.

“The cup is as important as every other competition. It’s very nice to play in and we’ll go out for the win from the first minute. We’ll have to be switched on against Leganes, especially in the opening stages, and be more decisive in the final third”. ”We’ll have to put in a similar performance as we did against Melilla. Leganés are very solid and very well organised. We must be switched on, especially in the defensive transitions when they counterattack, and be accurate in attack to take advantage of the chances we create. We’ll go out to win every game to try to win the Copa del Rey,” concluded the coach.