Fabio Cannavaro has reflected on Real Madrid and Juventus’ respective starts to the season, citing that the former may be struggling post-Jose Mourinho.
The Portuguese tactician left the club after three years in the summer to be replaced by Carlo Ancelotti, who takes Los Blancos into Wednesday evening’s Champions League clash at home to Juve still struggling for wholly convincing form.
“Madrid are not doing very well, they have been close to finding themselves in real trouble in La Liga,” former Madrid man Cannavaro has considered to Marca today.
“Madrid have started badly, but the League is not yet lost. They must fight forever as that is the obligation of the club. We are in October and there is still much ahead.
“I think that they are still getting used to Jose Mourinho’s departure, because he leaves a very strong mark. It has happened at every team he has been at.
“He is a Coach that provokes a high tension and that demands a lot. Also, there is still the adaptation of the younger players.”
Ballon d’Or winner Cannavaro represented both of Wednesday evening’s opponents at the Santiago Bernabeu during his playing career.
“It is a special game for me, no doubt. Two of the best teams in the world meet and I have played for them both. These are two teams that mean a lot to me.
“Who will win? That’s not important, what is important is that they qualify for the next round. The truth is that neither of them have been doing well, they are struggling in this early season. Madrid has changed a lot.
“Not only has a new Coach come in, there are also young players and others who are still to adapt to the mentality of the club, just as Higuain and Ozil had.
“Ancelotti is looking for something different in their style of play and that takes time. At Juventus, after two great years, perhaps they lack a bit of hunger.
“Favourites? From experience, in these games there are no favourites. They are not well in their respective Leagues, but the Champions League is different. Anything can happen.
“Juve are a very active team, very smart and they work hard tactically. They have very good players and one of the best midfields in the world with Pogba, Pirlo and Marchisio.
“The midfield may prove to be key to the game.”
