2 years ago
The early season problems for Carlo Ancelotti to rectify at Real Madrid
Real Madrid enters the preseason in excellent shape after winning the La Liga and Champions League double. They have expanded their roster by bringing in Antonio Rudiger and Aurelien Tchouameni through transfers.
But maintaining success is the most difficult aspect of it. In the preseason, manager Carlo Ancelotti has a number of responsibilities. To begin with, make sure Tchouameni and Rudiger are included in the side. The former will be making his first move outside of his native France, but he will be joined by Karim Benzema, Eduardo Camavinga, and Ferland Mendy. Rudiger, who has played in Italy, Germany, and England, is older and should be more adaptable.
Takefusa Kubo and Reinier Jesus have also returned to the squad from loans, but both players are aware they won't be playing for the starting lineup in the upcoming campaign. To inspire them to come back even stronger and make sure they feel appreciated by the team, Ancelotti's task is to do.
Another returning loan player has a chance to stay this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo. Borja Mayoral spent last season at both Getafe and Roma, but with Luka Jovic moving to Fiorentina, Mayoral now has a chance to support Benzema if he performs well in preseason. He still has one year left on his deal, so this might be his last opportunity.
Ancelotti's main priorities for the upcoming months were listed on the front page of Diario AS, with Marco Asensio at the top of the list. He's been rumored to be leaving, and if that happens, Ancelotti will need to decide whether to sign another forward to take his position.
The arrival of Rudiger also provides Ancelotti plenty of defensive options, though it will necessitate a change from the team that won the Champions League. Ferland Mendy, David Alaba, or Eder Militao will all be replaced if Ancelotti doesn't alter his formation, with the former appearing to be the most likely.
Likewise, with the addition of Tchouameni, Ancelotti must determine when and if Camavinga, Fede Valverde, or his new recruit should replace the hallowed quartet of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, and Casemiro in the starting lineup.
Real Madrid's hunger for championships will likely be Ancelotti's most challenging task given their success last season. Los Blancos only won one of the six eligible championships the season after their Champions League victory under Ancelotti—the Club World Cup. It's important to keep in mind that Real Madrid last won the league title in 2008 as well.
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