Having won their sixth UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday, Real Madrid have now quickly turned their attention to La Liga. The reigning champions kick off their campaign on Sunday with a trip to Son Moix, where they will face Mallorca.
Carlo Ancelotti is under no illusions about the task at-hand for his star-studded side, as he stated in his pre-match press conference (via Diario AS).
“Tomorrow the league starts, and our idea is to retain the title. Another coach has arrived there – he is an expert, and very capable. We will have to fight to win the match.”
Ancelotti also confirmed that he could make changes from the side that defeated Atalanta, with only a four-day gap between the two matches.
“I have to evaluate tomorrow’s team – maybe there are some changes, maybe not.”
On multiple occasions in the last few weeks, Ancelotti has stated that Real Madrid will conduct no more business in the transfer market this summer. He re-iterated this on Saturday, confirming that he is prepared to put his faith in youth players if necessary.
“The squad is closed, we just have to wait for the market to close. We have extraordinary talents, and we can compete for everything.
“We think Alaba will be back soon, and we have young players who can play. We have had the bad luck of Joan’s injury. (Raul) Asencio and Jacobo (Ramon) can contribute.
