Real Madrid boss Santiago Solari has hinted at a thawing of relations with playmaker Isco by stating: “He is a great player who gives us lots of joy.”
The Spain international has a long-term deal at the Bernabeu until 2022 with a minimum release clause of €700m, having signed a new contract in Madrid last year.
However, the 26-year-old has only started one match across La Liga and the Champions League under new Madrid boss Santiago Solari – a harrowing 3-0 home defeat against CSKA Moscow earlier this month.
“Isco is a great player, he has given us a lot of joy and will continue to do so,” Solari said at his press conference on Wednesday, as cited by Marca.
“Villarreal are always a difficult opponent, they will be hoping to turn around their fortunes, they have a new Coach and are always one of the league’s most difficult trips.
“This is the same team who excelled last season, they have a different style and system but they have a lot of quality.
“We have to give a lot of energy to generate a strong performance, to get back into our rhythm and show good transition between defence and attack.
“It is a difficult time to play, returning after the holidays, we only had a few days to train but the circumstances are not ideal.
“We start the New Year with eyes on three fronts, we are going into optimism in the league, in the Copa and in the Champions League.”
