Real Madrid players have met Julen Lopotegui for the first time and have their annual medicals. Here’s a look at day one of the Real Madrid preseason.
Most of Real Madrid’s squad has returned to the Capital for preseason training. This is also the first time that the players are meeting their new manager, Julen Lopotegui. Players will have the opportunity to have a sit down with their new manager to discuss the season ahead.
Players arrived at the training ground where they conducted their annual medicals. That was followed by a training session with their new manager. The training session focused on fitness and ball work. With much of the team still on vacation, the next couple sessions are expected to follow suit.
The training session consisted of players from the first team, loanees as well as Castilla players. With much of the squad participating in the 2018 World Cup, a fair number were absent as they are granted an extended vacation. Players are expected to join back up with the squad in the coming weeks as they get ready for the new campaign.
🔙 to work! #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/j6jJilmdKw
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) July 16, 2018
Martin Odegaard, Raul De Tomas, and Federico Valverde, who were all loaned out by the club last year took part in the training session. Their participation in the pre-season training does not give any clear indication as to where their season will be spent.
Next: Real Madrid: Julen Lopotegui will not entertain offers for Ceballos and Llorente
This season Real Madrid will participate in five different competitions. The Champions League, LaLiga, the Club World Cup, the UEFA Super Cup and the Copy del Rey. With the World Cup ending in mid-July, it is unclear if some players will be ready for the UEFA Super Cup. The UEFA Super Cup will be played against city rivals Atletico Madrid on August 15.
While the training sessions are important to get players back to match fitness there is still a lot of focus on the player’s futures. Gareth Bale is a hot topic with rumors that Manchester United is still interested.
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