Real Madrid "need to try to find a new style": Ancelotti

Real Madrid coach, Carlo Ancelotti, left on the table the possibility of a change of "style" and "system" in the new season, to adapt to the abilities in his squad.

"It's possible this year that we are going to play with a different system, keeping in mind what we've done, the systems that we've used in the last few years and which have been very successful and we should not forget", he reflected in a press conference, ahead of his team's tour of the United States for the Soccer Champions Tour.

"But we need to try and find a new style. We're going to try it mostly on the tour (of the US), which is an important moment of the pre-season", he added. The coach explained that, over the years, he has learnt that "adapting to your players" is better for a coach than trying to impose a system by force.

"The players have to feel comfortable in the system they're playing in", he noted. 

 

July 14, 2023

Madrid will return to the USA to play four friendly pre-season matches, against AC Milan, Manchester United, Barcelona and Juventus.

The highlight of the tour will be the 'Clasico' against Barcelona and Madrid will be looking for revenge for the 1-0 defeat they suffered last summer in Las Vegas. "The 'Clasico' is a 'Clasico' wherever you are going to play it. There is no friendly match between Madrid and Barcelona. Everyone knows they are spectacular matches. They always have been because there is a very big rivalry," Ancelotti argued.

"Last year we played with a fantastic atmosphere. I think it will be the same this year. It's always like that. It's a difficult game, but it's obvious that everyone loves playing it. There is no friendly feeling between Barcelona and Real Madrid and there never will be", he added.

As for Jude Bellingham, Madrid's star summer signing, Ancelotti declared that "he's adapting well" and is "working hard".

"He had a little problem over the holidays, he arrived with a little knee problem. But now he's alright and he's going to play on this tour", he said. Finally, the Madrid coach higlighted to growth of football in the USA and believed that the arrival of Leo Messi in the MLS for Inter Miami "will help to improve" the sport's situation across the pond.