Leganes manager Borja Jimenez has expressed his admiration for Real Madrid’s coach Carlo Ancelotti ahead of their upcoming match at Municipal de Butarque, which marks Real Madrid’s return to the venue after a four-year hiatus. The game is crucial for Los Blancos as they aim to regain their top form following the international break, particularly with a challenging midweek fixture against Liverpool looming.
Real Madrid faces a significant test with multiple key players sidelined due to injuries, including Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Aurelien Tchouameni, Rodrygo, and Lucas Vazquez. This situation heightens the pressure on Ancelotti to formulate an effective game plan that can lead the team to victory.
In his pre-match comments, Jimenez acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by Real Madrid, stating, “It’s a difficult game, but I think we’ll have our chances. Real Madrid do a lot of things well, and it’ll be complicated.” He emphasized the need for Leganes to be proactive and bold during the match, rather than adopting a purely defensive stance.
Reflecting on Ancelotti’s influence, Jimenez noted, “I have only words of admiration for Carlo. The values he carries and how he transmits them make him a good reference point for all coaches.” He pointed out that although Real Madrid is facing injury challenges, they will still require a strategic approach to exploit any weaknesses, particularly given that Federico Valverde may have to step into a right-back position due to a lack of options.
Jimenez concluded by highlighting their preparation for the match, indicating that his team has a plan in place but remained tight-lipped about specific strategies they intend to employ against the defending champions.
This match presents a potential opportunity for Leganes to capitalize on Real Madrid’s injury woes, and with the right strategies in place, they could surprise the footballing world. Both teams will aim for a positive outcome, making this a highly anticipated encounter.