Carlo Ancelotti has spent his Christmas studying videos of West Brom ahead of Real Madrid’s return to action tomorrow night.
Madrid open 2025 with a trip to Valencia as they look to extend their five-match unbeaten run – a streak that included an Intercontinental Cup success over Pachuca in Qatar.
The trip to Mestalla will see Madrid take on a Valencia side playing under new boss Carlos Corberan for the first time.
Corberan was appointed on Christmas Eve and tasked with dragging the club out of the relegation places.
His previous role was with English Championship side West Brom and Ancelotti has been studying the Baggies to see if he can get any clues as to how Valencia could set up.
He said: “We have looked at how his strategy worked at West Brom. And then you have to see how it can be adapted to the characteristics of the [Valencia] players.
“Valencia, by the way they played under [previous boss Ruben] Baraja, was a team that was getting closer. We have evaluated both things.”
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Ancelotti wary of new-manager bounce
Mestalla can be a hostile stadium and Ancelotti is not expecting an easy game despite Valencia’s lowly position.
“They are a team that have changed coach and that can give extra motivation to the players,” he added. “For me, Baraja has done a fantastic job, but this happens in soccer. We expect a demanding game. We have to be focused on the game and nothing else.
“We want to start the year well. It’s a very important game. The team is fine, the days off have gone well. Everyone has returned motivated and in great shape.”
No TTA update
Ancelotti was asked about the club’s plans this month but played a typically straight bat.
He said: “Talking about this is a little more complicated. We’ll see.
“The only thing I can say is that we have a lot of games in January and we are focused on this. Talking about the market is not easy for me right now.”
The trip to Valencia was rearranged for tomorrow night after the original fixture was postponed due to the devastating floods that hit the region in October.
Madrid are second in La Liga but will move two points ahead of Atletico with a win.
