Why Real Madrid have just two weeks to replace Julen Lopetegui

Real Madrid have just two weeks to name their permanent replacement for Julen Lopetegui.

Santiago Solari has been placed in temporary charge of the European champions Lopetegui’s departure on Monday night.

The former Spain boss was axed just four and a half months in the job, after a dismal start to the season which culminated in Real’s 5-1 humiliation against Barcelona in Sunday’s Clasico.

Solari took training for the first time on Tuesday and will be in charge for the Copa del Rey clash with third-tier Melilla and the weekend encounter with Valladolid.

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But Spanish FA rules state that interim coaches can only have the title of head coach for 15 days.

That means Solari can only take charge for four matches as interim boss, which includes a Champions League re-match with Viktoria Plzen and a LaLiga clash with Celta Vigo on November 11.

So if Real want to make a move for current Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino or former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, they must move quickly.

Alternatively, Florentino Perez may decide to keep Solari in the role for the rest of the season which would give the embattled president more time to bring in a big-name target ready for next season.