Santiago Solari Reveals Why Odegaard Struggled To Adapt To Real Madrid

Martin Odegaard (Instagram @ odegaard98)

JAKARTA - Former Real Madrid coach Santiago Solari has revealed the reasons behind Martin Odegaard's difficulty in adapting to the Spanish capital.

Odegaard joined Real Madrid as a teenager and is considered the next best player in terms of midfielders.

But, although the Norwegian has developed into a fine player, he hasn't made the world shine. That's why Real Madrid were happy to allow him to leave this summer.

Odegaard returned to Arsenal on a permanent contract ahead of last month's transfer deadline having spent time at the Emirates on loan last season.

And it leaves many wondering what went wrong with the 22-year-old at the Santiago Bernabeu?

Former Los Blancos boss Solari, who coached the club between 2018 and 2019 gave several reasons, telling The Pure Football Podcast via MARCA: “Odegaard arrived in Madrid very young, at the age of 15 or 16.

"It was difficult for him because he wanted to train with the first team, something players of his age don't do.

"He's got talent, of course, but sometimes it's easier for them to start with boys their age than with the first team.

“You learn different things because you are with the first team and you learn from the best, but many times, he has to play with Castilla. And it's complicated because he doesn't train with those players all the time."

Talking about Odegaard's development as a player over the last few years, Solari added: “He has grown as a footballer, as a person. It wasn't easy at Real Madrid at first, he showed character.

“There is a lot of hope around him. That kind of pressure was there from the start. He's talked about it and I really like how he's grown, first going to Real Sociedad, then coming back and playing for Arsenal.

"I hope he will be happy. He has dedicated more time than any other player, and if he learns one thing I'm trying to teach him, it's great for him and I'm happy with that."