Santiago Solari has replaced Manuel Fernandez as Real Madrid’s director of football.

Solari returned to the club in November 2022 and his duties were officially unknown until now. However, he used to travel with the first team for Champions League matches and with the youth squad in their respective division. He was also seen at Valdebebas during academy games.

The 47-year-old, who also played for Real Madrid between 2000 and 2005, was named manager following the dismissal of Julen Lopetegui in 2018.

During his tenure, Solari won the Club World Cup, extending Real Madrid’s reign in the competition to three consecutive titles.

He was eventually sacked in March 2019 and replaced for Zinedine Zidane, who returned for his second stint as manager.

Fernandez, meanwhile, had been in his role since 2020, having previously been coach of Real Madrid’s ‘Juvenil B’ youth squad. He is now the director of the academy.

As director of football, Fernandez was responsible for overseeing the club’s football administration, technical area, training methodology and national fundraising.

Real Madrid are next in action this Thursday away to Alaves.