Carlo Ancelotti has spent his Christmas finding out movies of West Brom forward of Actual Madrid’s return to motion tomorrow evening.
Madrid open 2025 with a visit to Valencia as they appear to increase their five-match unbeaten run – a streak that included an Intercontinental Cup success over Pachuca in Qatar.
The journey to Mestalla will see Madrid tackle a Valencia facet taking part in underneath new boss Carlos Corberan for the primary time.
Corberan was appointed on Christmas Eve and tasked with dragging the membership out of the relegation locations.
His earlier function was with English Championship facet West Brom and Ancelotti has been finding out the Baggies to see if he can get any clues as to how Valencia might arrange.
He mentioned: “We have now checked out how his technique labored at West Brom. After which it’s a must to see how it may be tailored to the traits of the [Valencia] gamers.
“Valencia, by the way in which they performed underneath [previous boss Ruben] Baraja, was a group that was getting nearer. We have now evaluated each issues.”
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— Actual Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) January 2, 2025
Ancelotti cautious of new-manager bounce
Mestalla generally is a hostile stadium and Ancelotti isn’t anticipating a simple recreation regardless of Valencia’s lowly place.
“They’re a group which have modified coach and that may give further motivation to the gamers,” he added. “For me, Baraja has accomplished a improbable job, however this occurs in soccer. We anticipate a demanding recreation. We have now to be targeted on the sport and nothing else.
“We wish to begin the 12 months effectively. It’s an important recreation. The group is ok, the times off have gone effectively. Everybody has returned motivated and in nice form.”
No TTA replace
The January window is now open and Madrid are reported to be pondering a second bid for Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold having seen an preliminary supply rebuffed by the Premier League leaders.
Ancelotti was requested in regards to the membership’s plans this month however performed a sometimes straight bat.
He mentioned: “Speaking about this is a bit more difficult. We’ll see.
“The one factor I can say is that we have now a number of video games in January and we’re targeted on this. Speaking in regards to the market isn’t straightforward for me proper now.”
The journey to Valencia was rearranged for tomorrow evening after the unique fixture was postponed as a result of devastating floods that hit the area in October.
Madrid are second in La Liga however will transfer two factors forward of Atletico with a win.