Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is optimistic as his team prepares to face German side VfB Stuttgart in their Champions League opener at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday. Several key players, including Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eder Militao, are expected to be fit and ready for the high-stakes match.
Despite missing a training session, Militao is on track to return to action, while the squad will still be without Eduardo Camavinga, Nacho, and Joselu. Ancelotti also acknowledged the retirement of club legend Toni Kroos but expressed excitement about the presence of Real Madrid’s new superstar, Kylian Mbappe, calling him “the best player in the world.”
“Yes, we lost Nacho, Kroos, and Joselu, but now we have Mbappe—one of the world’s best players. I believe our squad is stronger than last year,” Ancelotti confidently told reporters during Monday’s press conference.
Bellingham’s return is a huge boost for Madrid’s midfield. His teammate Dani Carvajal expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “Jude’s return is fantastic. We know how much he contributes both offensively and defensively. Tomorrow is another chance for us to keep growing as a team.”
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As the Champions League enters its expanded format with 36 teams this season, Real Madrid is also set to participate in the expanded 32-team Club World Cup in June 2024. However, the grueling schedule has taken a toll on the squad, with forward Brahim Diaz the latest player to be sidelined.
“The calendar is extremely demanding,” Ancelotti said. “Another competition is being added, and we’re not sure how it will turn out. But we’ll have two more games to navigate in this expanded format.”
Having won the Champions League five times as a manager and twice as a player, Ancelotti holds the competition close to his heart. “This competition is very special for me, not just for the club. It’s the daily work and effort that gets us here, and no matter how the format changes, Real Madrid’s relationship with the Champions League remains the same. We’re aiming for another historic run, and I hope we can reach the final once again.”
