Mbappe’s Madrid Arrival:
Kylian Mbappe could make his much-anticipated debut for Real Madrid tonight as they face Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup. The 25-year-old French forward, who joined Real Madrid as a free agent on a five-year deal in June, began training with the team last week. His transfer saga, which had captivated football fans for years, finally concluded with his move to the Spanish capital.
Ancelotti’s Tactical Decisions:
In a press conference on Tuesday, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti discussed Mbappe’s readiness but remained tight-lipped about whether the star forward would start the game. “Mbappe has arrived well, just like the other players who joined last week,” Ancelotti said. Despite limited training time, Ancelotti assured that Mbappe is in good shape and adapting well to the team.
Ancelotti had previously hinted that those who won the Champions League might be prioritized for the Super Cup, but he didn’t rule out Mbappe making an appearance. When asked about penalty-taking duties, Ancelotti emphasized that only a starting player would be assigned that responsibility, acknowledging Mbappe’s skill but noting the competition from Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde.
Real Madrid’s Super Cup Ambitions:
Real Madrid, with five Super Cup titles to their name, are poised to make history. A victory tonight would elevate them to the top of the competition’s leaderboard, surpassing Barcelona and AC Milan. The match also marks the beginning of a season where Real Madrid could contend for seven titles, thanks to FIFA’s introduction of the new Intercontinental Cup.
Ancelotti’s Season Outlook:
Looking ahead, Ancelotti expressed his excitement and determination for the new season. “As always, we’re starting the season with all the excitement and desire,” he said. Recognizing the challenges ahead, he remains confident in his team’s preparation and motivation to secure a successful start.