The first round of matches has started, the first international break too, we are entering another phase of the season, this one harder. Between now and the next window in three good weeks dedicated to selections, the clubs qualified for the European cups will play two matches per week. Some teams, notably the French ones who play in a championship with 18 competitors, will have a few more breaks during the season. This is not the case for Real Madrid, which will inaugurate this Saturday on the Real Sociedad pitch a series of seven matches until October 5th. Then comes a question, the management of the squads.
The Casa Blanca season could have up to 72 matches, including the new format of the Club World Cup at the end of the season. It is impossible for a player to participate in all these meetings. You have to be able to spare the heads and the physiques. Fortunately for the Merengues, they have a large squad in terms of quality and quantity to face this kind of pace. It is also important that there are not too many injuries. The “FIFA virus” as the Spanish press likes to call it has been there. Injured in selection, Militao should be there today, but not Bellingham, Tchouaméni, Ceballos or Camavinga.
Ancelotti doesn’t know when to rest Mbappe
In his 4-3-3 midfield, Carlo Ancelotti is hesitant to line up Brahim Diaz or Arda Güler to accompany Valverde de Modric. Up front, Mbappé will probably be associated with Vinicius and Rodrygo, as he has since the start of the season. The first goals scored by the Frenchman have reassured everyone at the club, but another question now takes over. When should he rest him, who is in the prime of life and wants to play every match? On this point, the Italian coach is not sure of anything. The former Parisian also warned after his double against Betis that he wanted to continue and ride on the confidence he has gained.
In this series of 7 games in 22 days (Real Sociedad, Stuttgart, Espanyol, Alavés, Atlético, LOSC and Villarreal), it is planned to leave him on the bench in the clashes which are a priori the least complicated. According to ASthese would be the home games against Espanyol and Alavés, but these two games come one after the other. The ideal would be to leave him one game out of two, which would mean doing without his services on a Champions League night or during the Madrid derby, which is also being played at the Cívitas Metropolitano. The choice is not easy and the first doubts are arising on this subject both for the player and his coach.
