The new La Liga season is on the horizon, but Real Madrid has already claimed their first trophy of the season, securing their sixth UEFA Super Cup following a 2-0 win against Atalanta on Wednesday night.
The match was a memorable occasion, with Kylian Mbappe scoring on his debut for Madrid, complemented by a goal from Federico Valverde. Madrid now turns its attention to the La Liga opener, where they aim to defend their title from last season. On Sunday, they will face Mallorca, who were defeated finalists in the Copa del Rey last term.
Earlier in the week, fans were encouraged to submit questions for Real Madrid correspondent Mario Cortegana regarding the upcoming campaign, and he provided insights into several of them.
When asked about the club’s future plans for the presidency of Florentino Perez, Cortegana noted that there has been ongoing discussion regarding potential successors, acknowledging that it may be premature to address this matter while Perez, who is 77 years old, is still in office.
Regarding Endrick’s situation on the team, Cortegana clarified that there are no plans for a loan, as both the player and club are committed to his development without loaning him out. Training at Valdebebas is seen as more beneficial than a loan, especially given the potential for a demanding season.
Fans were also curious about the tactical formation that Coach Carlo Ancelotti might employ with the squad’s forward talent. Cortegana explained that Ancelotti’s initial strategy appears to be a 4-3-3 formation when in possession, shifting to a 4-4-2 without the ball.
Concerns about the left-back and right-back positions were raised, with indicated plans to retain Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia. Although Garcia’s performances haven’t met expectations, the club considers waiting until 2025 for potential reinforcements.
On the coaching front, the prospect of Xabi Alonso as Ancelotti’s successor was mentioned, but it was noted that such decisions are unpredictable in football.
In terms of player performances, Cortegana expressed confidence that Mbappe, despite previously playing in a different league, would adapt quickly due to his exceptional skills. He also discussed the future of Rodrygo and projected that Eduardo Camavinga would feature more prominently as the season progresses.
Finally, regarding the composition of the squad, while there hasn’t been a significant focus on bringing in Spanish players, the club maintains compliance with UEFA regulations, ensuring a balance that meets necessary requirements.
Looking ahead, Madrid is well-positioned to compete fiercely for the title, boasting a strong lineup, depth, and effective management.