Solari confirmed as Real Madrid manager until 2021

Santiago Solari is the man for the job.

Real Madrid agreed to hire the 42-year-old as permanent manager Tuesday, awarding his work as Julen Lopetegui's interim replacement with a contract until June 2021, the club said in a statement.

Los Blancos reportedly filed paperwork Monday to promote Solari, who succeeded Julen Lopetegui in a temporary capacity following the club's 5-1 defeat to Barcelona on Oct. 28.

Like former gaffer Zinedine Zidane, Solari served as Madrid's youth team manager before taking the senior gig. After winning each of his first four matches, Solari won the opportunity to lead the club for another two-and-a-half years.

Antonio Conte, Roberto Martinez, and Leonardo Jardim were all linked with Madrid, but nothing materialized.

Solari is the 13th full-time manager to be appointed by president Florentino Perez.

Madrid has scored 15 goals while conceding just twice in the four-match stretch under the supervision of the former Argentinian international.

Several players have enjoyed a return to form in the weeks since Solari took the helm. Karim Benzema now leads the team with eight goals in all competitions, and Vinicius Junior, the 18-year-old attacking prodigy, has earned more minutes with the senior side.

Solari's also lifted the club to sixth place and just four points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona.