Santiago Solari refused to be drawn into discussing Real Madrid’s transfer plans as speculation over a new striker continues to mount.
Los Blancos have been unable to replicate their usual goalscoring prowess this term after Cristiano Ronaldo departed the Spanish capital for Serie A giants Juventus.
Mariano Diaz returned from Lyon over the summer, but the £20m player has yet to be trusted with a run of games over the goal-shy Karim Benzema.
Meanwhile Keylor Navas is likely to be on his way out, having posted a message on his Instagram saying stating ‘thanks for everything’ after a campaign that has seen him relegated to the bench behind former Chelsea stopper Thibaut Courtois.
Spanish playmaker Isco has also seen his opportunities limited. But Solari, whose side take on Villarreal on Thursday night, said: “I have no news to tell you about (transfers). What we are interested in is tomorrow’s game, and the start of this year, which we must begin with the maximum humility and commitment. Which we have at the moment.”
When pushed on potential Navas and Isco exits, Solari responded: “I’m not working on any hypotheses. We’re all focused on the game tomorrow. All those players are part of the squad, I’m not thinking about any other hypothesis.
“It’s not my place to talk about transfer strategies. That’s a private matter.”
Madrid return to La Liga action after a successful Club World Cup campaign in the UAE, and can ill afford a slip-up against struggling Villarreal.
Solari’s men are eight points off Barcelona – but with a game in hand – while Villarreal, who recently appointed former Baniyas boss Luis Garcia, are mired in the relegation zone.
“We have to do a solid game, put in a solid performance with a lot of energy,” Solari added. “It’s very important that we have good rhythm. Villarreal will try and change their dynamic, it’s always a difficult stadium to visit.
“They’ve changed their manager, that will bring maybe a change of style, change of system. We’re taking on the same team but with different characteristics.”