Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is seeking a significant improvement from his team as they play their first home game of the La Liga season against Valladolid, with star forward Kylian Mbappe set to make his Santiago Bernabeu debut. Ancelotti expressed disappointment following Real Madrid’s lackluster 1-1 draw against Mallorca in the season opener, emphasizing the need for a better attitude from his players.
The so-called “New Galacticos” struggled in their first few matches, with Mbappe failing to make the impact expected of him. Ancelotti highlighted the importance of defensive balance in the team’s style of play and acknowledged the need for improvement in various areas. The departure of midfielder Toni Kroos has led Ancelotti to prioritize attacking prowess over midfield stability, which has left the team vulnerable at times.
Real Madrid will face Valladolid, a newly-promoted team, who are high on confidence after starting their campaign with a win against Espanyol. Barcelona, under new coach Hansi Flick, also made a strong start to the season with a win against Valencia despite missing key players. Flick faces challenges with new signing Dani Olmo’s registration delay due to Financial Fair Play rules, prompting negotiations to clear the way for his inclusion in the squad.
The pressure is on Real Madrid and Barcelona to perform well in the early stages of the season as they navigate through various issues and player absences. Atletico Madrid, under manager Diego Simeone, will look to bounce back from a disappointing start as they face Girona after both sides were held to draws in their opening fixtures. Simeone will have new signings Julian Alvarez and Conor Gallagher at his disposal for the upcoming match.
In conclusion, La Liga is shaping up to be an exciting and competitive season, with top clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid facing early challenges. Coaches like Ancelotti and Flick will need to make tactical adjustments and manage player absences effectively to ensure their teams perform consistently. With new signings and high expectations, the race for the La Liga title promises to be intense, setting the stage for thrilling matches and compelling storylines throughout the season.
