Few coaches combine pragmatism with emotional intelligence as effectively as Carlo Ancelotti. Raised in a practical family in northern Italy, he learned early to keep feet on the ground and to value hard work on the family farm. That upbringing informs his managerial style: calm, clear, and relentlessly focused on results. On the pre-season tour in the United States, Ancelotti underscored a methodology built on discipline and trust. He framed the team around what he calls the eleven of miracles, a unity that helped Real Madrid reel off remarkable comebacks from last season and defend a title with composure. In this framework, Valverde is deployed as a flexible runner who protects the spine, while Rodrylo, Marco Asensio, and Camavinga provide pace, creativity, and decisive moments that keep defenses guessing. This balance of defense and attack has become the backbone of a squad ready for the new campaign.
Before facing Juventus, Ancelotti had already demonstrated his approach by fielding a measured starting eleven in the Supercopa European final in Helsinki. The team showed solidity at the back, control in midfield, and electricity in attack. The performance against Juventus featured intense pressing in the opening period, fluid ball circulation, and aggressive forward play. It was a balanced setup with Valverde offering tireless drives and a sharp finish to punctuate a high-intensity display. These elements mirror the trust placed in a core group that blends experience with youthful energy.
Benzema: goals per game and evolving responsibilities
Madrid comfortably outpaced Turinese, despite a late strike from the visitors. Benzema found the net twice across two matches, reinforcing his role as a decisive scorer. As the tour progressed, Asensio contributed with assists that highlighted his ability to create opportunities for teammates, while Vallejo delivered moments of high quality, showcasing the depth and versatility that Ancelotti values in his squad. The team moved from a steady start to a more confident performance, building rhythm in the rounds and sharpening the execution that could translate into important results when the season begins.
The tour included games in Las Vegas, where Madrid edged Barcelona 1-0, followed by a test in San Francisco that ended 2-2 against an American club. The sequence culminated in Pasadena with a 2-0 win over a traditional rival. Throughout these fixtures, Ancelotti used the matches to fine-tune tactics, reinforce cohesion, and test different combinations to ensure readiness for the season’s challenges. He returned from the trip with a clear notebook, filled with observations about squad balance and potential tweaks that could give the team an edge in important early fixtures.
Highlights and tactical insights
Among the notable moments were solid performances from Antonio Rudiger, Dani Ceballos, and Jesus Vallejo. Rudiger demonstrated leadership on and off the ball, asserting his authority in the central and wide areas. Ceballos showed sustained hunger and urgency, proving he remains a valuable asset with his relentless drive. Vallejo regained confidence, linking defense to attack with crisp distribution and steady positional sense. These displays underscored the depth at Ancelotti’s disposal and the ability to switch shapes without losing balance.
Valverde’s versatility continued to be a major asset, with his back-and-forth movement offering ballast in defense while supporting the attack. The absence of a consistent goal return from certain attackers remains a talking point, but the overall trajectory of the squad suggests a team that can adapt to different opponents and match situations. The coaching staff watched intently as players experimented with roles in midfield and forward lines, aiming to maximize synergies between veteran leaders and rising talents.
Eden Hazard has been under scrutiny for form as the season approaches, yet his experience and ball-handling ability remain a resource for the side. Tchouameni showed signs of growth, and the coaching staff encouraged him to assert his personality in the midfield. The rest of the squad, including players returning from loans or seeking a place in the rotation, faced the reality that competition for minutes is intense. The atmosphere in the locker room reflected a collective push toward improvement, with a clear emphasis on teamwork, resilience, and shared goals.
In sum, the tour served as a practical exercise in blending seasoned leadership with youthful brightness. Ancelotti’s method emphasizes discipline, mutual respect, and a relentless pursuit of progress, all aimed at delivering on the club’s ambitious objectives for the upcoming campaign. The outcomes in the United States provided reassurance that the team is prepared to confront the season’s demands with a well-rounded, cohesive unit that can contend for major trophies.