The wait is over. Real Madrid fans will get to see the new look side under Italian manager Carlo Ancleotti for the first time today when they take on Championship side Bournemouth on the south coast of England.
Both Marca and AS comment on the strong squad picked to travel to the Goldsands Stadium, which includes the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Mesut Ozul along with new signings Asier Illarramendi, Isco, Casemiro and Daniel Carvajal.
Both papers picked up on comments made by Ancelotti when he first arrived about the style of football he wants Los Blancos to play and they are expecting a free-flowing, attacking game from the Spanish giants.
Elsewhere, Marca reports that while Madrid will sell a number of players to fund a move for Gareth Bale, their attempts to sign him may be in vain as the Welshman would prefer a move to Manchester United.
Finally, two respected managers have been discussing Madrid’s transfer business so far this summer and that signing of Illarramendi in particular. Arrigo Sacchi described the Basque midfielder as “fantastic”.
He said: “I was blown away by Illarramendi. He’s a fantastic player. He can defend, he gets forward well, he reads the game well and can go long or short with his passing. I think he has a lot to offer Real.”
Meanwhile former manager at Real Sociedad, Philippe Montanier, stated: “Not only is he a midfielder that works hard to get the ball back, but he has enough quality to be involved in getting things moving and distributing the ball.”
