Former Real Madrid boss Santiago Solari has told reporters he would like to manage in the English Premier League one day.
The Argentine was at the helm of Los Blancos between October and March last season, taking the reins after Julen Lopetegui’s dismissal before Zinedine Zidane returned to the role.
Solari was unable to halt Madrid’s underwhelming La Liga form and was also in charge for their eliminations from both the Champions League and Copa del Rey.
Speculation was sparked by the Argentine recently being in the stands to watch Chelsea’s home victory over Crystal Palace in the English top flight.
“I would love to coach in the Premier League,” Solari is cited by Diario AS telling the Mail.
“I see many Premier League matches. It's a 'top' league that is enjoying a great moment in its history.
“There are many incredible players and some of the best coaches in the world. In addition to many different nationalities and playing styles, not forgetting that they achieved place four teams in the two big European finals last year.”
This follows on from similar comments by Solari in September, when he told BBC Sport in an interview when asked about his future: “I would like to coach in Europe, in a serious project in one of the big leagues.
“I saw the Premier League last year and how it grew so much. It was a fantastic campaign for the English teams. There are so many different cultures as well – you have Spanish coaches, German coaches, English coaches, coaches from all over the world who have made it grow.
“The type of football I like is when the team is the protagonist, offensive football, high tempo and aggressive but in order to achieve that you have to defend high, have fast transitions, and of course talent is a big part of that.
“The statistics in the Premier League are amazing and confirm things are changing. Fifteen years ago there were just three games where one team averaged 70% of possession. Three years ago that went up to 30 games. Two years ago it was 60 games and last year there were 67 games in which one team had 70% of possession.”
Solari recently told Chiringuito, as cited by Diario AS.: “It does not hurt that I left the club (Real Madrid), it is always an honour to serve Madrid.”
