Manuel Fleitas Solich

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

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

[edit] 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 several Brazilian clubs such as Palmeiras, Corinthians, 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. [1]. Afterwards he coached the Peru national football team, Club Libertad and his beloved Club Nacional.