Brazil international Marcelo has been a mainstay of the Los Blancos back-line since joining the club from Fluminense in 2007, but he has lost his place in the starting XI over recent weeks, with youngster Sergio Reguilon seemingly emerging as the first-choice left-back.
That has led to speculation that Marcelo, who turns 31 in May, could seek a move away from the club before the close of the January transfer window, with Italian giants Juventus said to be one of the teams showing an interest.
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Ahead of Real’s clash with Girona in the Copa del Rey on Thursday, Solari refused to drawn on the speculation surrounding Marcelo, but he was keen to talk up the professionalism the full-back has shown since losing his place in the team.
“His love for the club and his commitment to the club and his joy at training are undoubted, and his behaviour is impeccable. All these things must be praised,” Solari told reporters. “It always a difficult task to pick the team.
“But competition within the squad is an essential part of football. Everyone must feel they have an opportunity and can lose their place [if they don’t do well].”
