Manuel Fleitas Solich

Manuel Fleitas Solich (December 30, 1900 – March 24, 1984) is a former Paraguayan football player and coach. He was known as "El Brujo" (the Wizard).

Career as a player

Fleitas Solich played for Club Nacional of Paraguay where he won two Paraguayan League titles, in 1924 and 1926. He also played for Boca Juniors where as the captain of the team he led them to the 1930 Argentine title. During his time at Boca he played 99 games for the club in all competitions, scoring 15 goals. He suffered an injury in 1930 and never recovered to his full ability.

While playing for the Paraguay national football team, Solich had 32 caps and 6 goals.

Career as a coach

Solich's career as a coach proved to be impressive as he led the Paraguayan national team to a final in the 1947 Copa América and won the 1953 tournament (which was the first Copa América ever won by Paraguay). He also coached the Paraguayan national team at the 1950 FIFA World Cup. At the club level coached several Brazilian clubs such as Palmeiras, Corinthians, Atlético, Fluminense and Flamengo, being this last club where he won several titles. In Europe, Solich coached Real Madrid for the 1959-1960 season, where he led the Spanish team to 21 wins, 5 draws and 4 losses. He also coached the Peru national football team, Newell's Old Boys, Quilmes, Club Libertad and his beloved Club...
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