Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has elaborated on his innovative player management strategy for the demanding 2024-2025 season, which includes seven competitions. The plan, aimed at combating player fatigue, involves providing individualized vacations for players during the season, particularly those with international commitments.’We are thinking about giving the players a break, a holiday, and we are thinking about giving them individual breaks in some phases of the season. It can be that a player doesn’t play for a week and recovers with his family,’ Ancelotti explained. He emphasized that this approach is especially crucial for international players who rarely get time off during breaks.Ancelotti revealed that the club is coordinating with the medical staff and physical preparation team to implement this strategy effectively. ‘When the players come from international games, what we will do is give three days of rest and then return, and not force them to train as soon as they finish with their national team,’ he added.Regarding tactical decisions, Ancelotti clarified that Jude Bellingham will continue to play in the same position as last season, as a number 10 supporting Mbappé in attack. The coach also praised new signing Kylian Mbappé’s integration into the team, describing him as ‘an extraordinary talent’ who has entered the locker room ‘very seriously, with humility’.Looking ahead to the La Liga season opener against Real Mallorca, Ancelotti expressed confidence in the team’s ability to defend their title and continue their recent successes. ‘We will fight to defend the title and continue our achievements,’ he stated, while also acknowledging the competitive nature of the league.Despite the ambitious outlook, Ancelotti cautioned against setting specific targets like a potential sextuple, emphasizing the importance of focusing on each match as it comes. He also noted that while the team will miss the contributions of Toni Kroos, this presents an opportunity for adaptation and growth.
Key points
- Ancelotti plans to give players individualized vacations during the season to combat fatigue.
- The strategy is being coordinated with medical and physical preparation teams.
- Ancelotti expressed confidence in the team’s ability to defend their La Liga title.
- The coach praised Mbappé’s integration and clarified Bellingham’s tactical role.
