Vinicius’ talent was clear to see – Solari heaps praise on Madrid wonderkid

GRAF9201. MELILLA, 31/10/2018.- El nuevo entrenador del Real Madrid, Santiago Solari, durante el partido de dieciseisavos de final de la Copa del Rey disputado hoy en el estadio Álvarez Claro de Melilla. EFE/Jose Manuel Vidal
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Interim Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari achieved victory in his first game in charge as Los Blancos beat Melilla 4-0 away in the Copa del Rey, a fixture which saw Vinicius Junior make his first start.

The 18-year-old Brazilian has become a topic of much discussion with many Madrid fans hoping to see him gain more first-team action, and Vinicius was able to assist two goals in the victory.

“Today [Vinicius] started, but he is very young,” said Solari.

“He is 18, has just arrived, is in a new country, a new style of football, adapting to a new world with Real Madrid.

“Little by little he will grow and mature because we already see the talent.

“I am happy with them all; [Marco] Asensio, [Dani] Ceballos, [Alvaro] Odriozola, Lucas [Vazquez].”

The Argentine coach was pleased by the commitment of Sergio Ramos, who started the game.

“Ramos was ready to start the match,” stated Solari.

“He is the captain of this ship and it was important that he came and signalled the way because in difficult moments, he is there.

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“I am happy for the joy, the positivity and the character that this team has shown.”

When asked about the desire of the team, Solari was quick to note the importance of the team over the coach.

“The commitment is not with me, but for the shirt, the chants, the club and themselves,” he added.

“I am in this group and we are all together.”

The 42-year-old also discussed Melilla and was respectful of Madrid’s opponents.

“We knew that it was going to be a difficult game in a difficult scenario,” he said.

“They play in the Segunda B and I know that they are underestimated, but they played some very good football and have good coaches; it is no coincidence that Melilla are so well positioned in the table.

“It was not an easy game at all.

“The squad was fantastic, too bad the pitch was a little heavy because it rained a lot last night.”

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