Dani Carvajal has had a special year. After lifting the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid, the veteran full-back helped Spain conquer the European Championship in Germany last month.
Now a European Champion at both the club and country level, the Real Madrid star has returned to train under Carlo Ancelotti’s command ahead of the new season.
Speaking to the media ahead of Real Madrid’s clash against Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup, Carvajal made several strong statements not only on his objectives but also on the tight schedule.
Commenting on the feeling in the dressing room ahead of the title clash, the Euro 2024 winner said, “We face it with a lot of enthusiasm. Starting with a degree gives you confidence.”
Thoughts on Ballon d’Or
Carvajal was then asked to give his two cents on the Ballon d’Or for which he is one of the favourites.
“I’ve enjoyed the holidays but this is not secondary for personal titles, although it excites you.”
The right-back even welcomed the club’s new signing Kylian Mbappe and revealed how it was a nightmare to face the Frenchman. “I have had to suffer in front of him and he is going to help us a lot.”
Finally, the Spanish full-back lashed out at the football calendar for the season ahead, emphasising that it paid no heed to player fitness.
“It doesn’t make any sense. I already said it. You can’t keep that pace. It is impossible to perform in 72 games.”
“It must be analyzed. We and our families suffer from it. And the level of the game,” he added.
Source: Mundo Deportivo