'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
What's the story?
Barcelona legend Rivaldo has opined that if Real Madrid suffer another loss to Barcelona, Santiago Solari's future at the club could be in serious danger and it will be no time until his successor's name, particularly that of Jose Mourinho, is called out by fans.
In case you didn't know...
Solari was given the reins to the Real Madrid senior team with the hopes of resurrecting a team that was bogged down by tumultuous results under former boss Julen Lopetegui.
While the Argentine manager initially brought victories that revived the team's confidence, not much has changed regarding depth in the squad.
Solari's future is getting bleaker by the day as Los Blancos have continually been humbled by rivals Barcelona in multiple Clasicos.
The pressure is further mounted on the Argentine as Real Madrid host Barcelona in LaLiga later tonight, in what many have deemed to be the clash that would decide his future at the Bernabeu.
The heart of the matter
Rivaldo is concerned that a second loss to Barcelona in three days would not only mean the end of Real Madrid's LaLiga title challenge but potentially the end of Solari's role as manager.
Speaking in an interview with Bet Fair, he said, "Things are getting tougher for Santiago Solari, but he should not make too many changes from one match to another, as his team played well in midweek and almost got away with qualification. However, losing twice at home to Barcelona in three days - and say goodbye to two competitions - could be really bad for him."
"It would generate severe reactions from fans and press doubting his abilities and mentioning potential successors. Basically, I think he must use his best available resources when Real host Barca in La Liga on Saturday to try and go for the win or things might get nasty."
The former Blaugrana star believes that if the European champions fail to register a win tonight, fans and the media alike will bring up potential successors, particularly Mourinho, once again.
"Solari's future plays a big part in the next 'El Clasico' and if he loses again names like José Mourinho will be mentioned one more time. The manager that came from Castilla is under pressure and in a tough situation."
"Mourinho is a great manager who already had his story at Real Madrid and will always be associated to a potential return, especially when the club is not going well and underachieving."
What's next?
Real Madrid play host to Barcelona in LaLiga later tonight before welcoming Ajax to the Bernabeu in a Champions League clash.
