Real Madrid enjoyed great success last season, but the campaign took a heavy toll, resulting in several injuries.
Now, as they enter the new campaign, Carlo Ancelotti’s squad faces the longest and most demanding season in football history. Last season, the team played 59 games, but this year they could play up to 75 matches if they reach all the finals.
Indeed, the Merengues face a season with seven titles up for grabs, potentially culminating on July 13, 2025, with the final of the new FIFA Club World Cup.
Real Madrid’s plan for the upcoming campaign
According to MARCA, ensuring proper rest to players has been vital, with players given at least three weeks off, though there were exceptions like Endrick and Arda Guler.
The upcoming European Super Cup against Atalanta on August 14 is a key early fixture, with Ancelotti aiming to equal Miguel Munoz as the most successful Real Madrid coach.
It was decided that the international players who advance to the semifinals of the Copa America or the UEFA Euro 2024 would not take part in the US tour.
Instead, they would begin preseason on August 7 at Valdebebas, which is just one week before the Super Cup.
They might still play in the final, though, because the team has put in place a special program that begins 15 days prior to their arrival. This guarantees that when they return to the Spanish capital, they are at their peak physical condition.
Opening up about the gruelling season that awaits, Ancelotti said: “I’m not worried. We have a spectacular squad in all positions. Mbappe has joined, he’s a fantastic player.
“We don’t have much time to prepare for the first games, but the players will come back in good shape.”
Despite concerns about injuries, Ancelotti expressed hope for a long season because it would mean Real Madrid are competing in all tournaments. He did, however, emphasize the importance of individual rest to avoid player fatigue.
“Hopefully it will be long, it means that we will be in all competitions. That’s what we want when a season starts. We have to think about taking individual rest. This could be a new idea so as not to exhaust the players,” he said.