Q&A: Our predictions for Real Madrid’s upcoming season
Over the past couple months, we saw Real Madrid make a few signings before letting go of other players whether on loan or full transfers. We then witnessed the chaos that surrounded the Gareth Bale transfer saga before watching the preseason matches and having to see constant criticism towards the team and the manager, with some even asking for him to be sacked.
With the start of the La Liga season coming up, some of the writers from The Real Champs team decided to share their thoughts as they prepare for yet another year analyzing the team and hoping for silverware.
With the first game quickly approaching, how do you feel about Real Madrid finally starting official matches? Is it too soon or is the club ready?
Ben Sundock: I could not be more excited to see Real Madrid start their competitive campaign. Seven preseason matches was far too many and I feel the squad could not possibly need more time to prepare. The best way to get up to speed is to get La Liga underway.
Hasan Karim: I feel that this is the perfect time to assess how ready the squad is for the upcoming season. Whilst preseason is a good means of the team finding fitness and clicking, it is hard to expect players to be motivated for games which have no impact. There were signs of the ideas and tactics Zinedine Zidane is looking to implement. It is a case now of seeing whether or not the players are capable of doing what the coach has asked.
Ali Al-Hassan: If anything, it may be later than I would have liked. We as fans aren’t used to seeing this many friendly matches before the season, but Zidane did what was expected in regards to trying out different lineups and formations. He didn’t place too much importance on the final score of matches and prioritized fitness of his players as well as seeing what could or couldn’t work with the squad he has at his disposal.
Nithanth Ravindran: After all the preseason games, I am honestly scared for the season. I usually don’t take much from preseason games but this one has been unusually grim. That being said, I still have hope that the team somehow manages to turn it around. As for it being too soon or being ready, I think we can’t be any more prepared than this so yes we are as ready as we can be.
Yasheel Vyas: The team hasn’t looked at all prepared during the preseason. Zidane is still experimenting with his formations and did the same in the last game as well. Despite trying out different formations, the team hasn’t looked good defensively. This is going to be a major concern as Celta Vigo is really tough to play against. Iago Aspas will have a field day if Real Madrid plays the way they did in the last game. I still trust Zizou completely and think he is the man who can turn this around.
AJ Desai: It has been a long time coming until the season begins. I believe we are ready, but we need to be more consistent. Celta Vigo is a good team, they will look to throw Real Madrid off their game.
Ali Malik: I think seven warm-up matches is as much as could be expected. It is the right time to start the season, but being ready is a different question. Form wise we do not look ready but we also could not keep playing more warm-up games either given how long the season is. So, final answer, we’re as ready as we can be.