With Kylian Mbappe gearing up for his La Liga debut with Real Madrid against Mallorca on Sunday, coach Carlo Ancelotti emphasized the importance of the star striker adjusting to his new surroundings. Mbappe, who recently joined Madrid after the expiration of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain, made an immediate impact by scoring in Los Blancos’ UEFA Super Cup victory over Atalanta on Wednesday.Despite not being at his peak form, the 25-year-old France captain showed his clinical finishing by sealing the game after Fede Valverde put Madrid ahead, helping the reigning Spanish and European champions secure the trophy.”Mbappe is an exceptional player, and we need to ensure he adapts to the team as quickly as possible,” Ancelotti said during a press conference on Saturday, ahead of Madrid’s opening La Liga fixture. “He’s integrated well into the squad so far – focused and humble.”Following the Super Cup win, Mbappe was asked about his goal-scoring ambitions for the season, with some speculating whether he aimed to net 50 goals. The forward responded that there were “no limits” to what he could achieve this season.Lewa saves Flick from embarrassment on his La Liga debutAncelotti, however, made it clear that he doesn’t set specific targets for his players when it comes to numbers.”I never tell a player how many goals they should score. My only demand is that they give everything they’ve got for the team,” explained the veteran Italian coach. “Every player brings something different, whether it’s technical ability, tactical insight, or motivation, and they should channel that to benefit the team.”Looking ahead, Ancelotti hinted at a new approach to managing player workload during the campaign. With an expanded Club World Cup scheduled for next summer, the coach is considering giving his players more time to rest throughout the season.”The players need breaks, they need time with their families,” Ancelotti said. “We’re considering giving individual holidays to some players – especially the internationals, who have so little rest. It’s something we’re coordinating with our medical and fitness staff.”##EDITORS_CHOICE##Just under two weeks remain until the transfer window closes, but for Real Madrid, it’s already over. At least, if we are to believe Ancelotti’s words, who continues to insist that there will be no changes until the transfer market shuts, despite the less-than-ideal health situation in the backline.”The squad is complete, we just have to wait for the transfer window to close. We believe that Alaba will return to good form, and we have young players who can step in. We were unfortunate with Joan’s injury, but Asensio and Jacobo can contribute,” said Don Carlo.The seasoned coach is still optimistic as he awaits the start of the new season, but that doesn’t mean he is unaware of the massive task ahead of his team.”We are focused on reality, especially on the players, because they are the ones who will play the matches. They know when it is difficult to win. The game demands quality, sacrifice. Thinking too far ahead is not good for anything. I cannot think about what will happen in May; we have to work every day to get to May and win every match. We must fight for the title. The quality of Spanish football is there, with its clubs. It’s an entertaining league. Semi-automatic offside will help us.”J’apprécie l’harmonie et la complicité entre Carlo Ancelotti et Mbappé.🤍✨ pic.twitter.com/9PxP8KPloz— Madridistas Del Mundo (@MADRIDISTADELM) August 13, 2024 LA LIGA – MATCHDAY 1Thursday Ath.Bilbao – Getafe 1-1 (1-0)/Sancet 27 – Uche 64/Betis – Girona 1-1 (1-0)/Bartra 6 – Misehouy 72/Friday Celta – Alaves 2-1 (0-1)/Swedberg 66, Aspas 84 – Garcia 17/Las Palmas – Sevilla 2-2 (1-1)/Nianzou 42 og, Ramirez 71 – Suarez 25 og, Sanchez 61/Saturday Osasuna – Leganes 1-1 (0-1)/Soriano 79 og – Cruz 22/Valencia – Barcelona 1-2 (1-1)/Duro 44 – Lewandowski, 45+5, 49 pen/Sunday 20.00: (1.62) Sociedad (3.50) Rayo Vallecano (6.50)22.30: (6.75) Mallorca (4.00) Real Madrid (1.53)Monday 20.00: (2.40) Valladolid (3.25) Espanyol (3.30)22.30: (3.25) Villareal (3.45) Atl.Madrid (2.20)***odds are subject to change***
