Carlo Ancelotti, manager of Real Madrid, looks on during team practice at Olympic Stadium in Helsinki, Finland, August 9, 2022. /CFP
Carlo Ancelotti, manager of La Liga's Real Madrid, said he is confident the club can better their successful 2021-22 season, when they won La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
Real failed to acquire Kylian Mbappe, a target they had been chasing for years, from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) during the summer transfer window but landed Antonio Rudiger from Chelsea on a free transfer and Aurelien Tchouameni from Monaco for 80 million euros (about $81.8 million). Meanwhile, Luka Jovic and Borja Mayoral both left Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
"We've signed two players who have improved the physical and technical quality of the team," Ancelotti said at the pre-UEFA Super Cup news conference on Tuesday. "We've had another year of working together, improving the alchemy between the veterans and youngsters. That was one of the successes of the team last year, and that can improve, because we're more used to being together."
Real Madrid celebrate after defeating Liverpool 1-0 in the UEFA Champions League Final at Stade de Franc in Paris, France, May 28, 2022. /CFP
He also made mention of the team's forwards. "It's a good list: Karim [Benzema], Mariano [Diaz], [Eden] Hazard, Rodrygo, Vinicius [Junior], [Marco] Asensio," Ancelotti said. "When you're missing the best forward in the world [Benzema] of course that affects the team. But we have solutions. Replacing Karim is impossible."
Benzema has been playing as Real's offensive pillar in recent seasons. He scored 44 goals and 15 assists in 46 games last season, including producing many "saving-the-day" moments in the Champions League. Real could have never beaten all of PSG, Chelsea Manchester City and Liverpool without Benzema's efforts.
"Age doesn't exist," the 34-year-old France forward said. "It's true that we aren't young, but we work hard on the pitch and off the pitch. We have a good squad, let's hope it's better than last year."
Karim Benzema (C) of Real Madrid dribbles during team practice at Olympic Stadium in Helsinki, Finland, August 9, 2022. /CFP
Real are playing against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Super Cup at Olympic Stadium in Helsinki, Finland on Wednesday. Though Frankfurt lost to Bayern Munich 6-1 in their first Bundesliga game of the 2022-23 season, Ancelotti won't let his guard down.
"We won't be fooled," he said. "They played a great Europa League. They deserved to win it; they played some very strong teams. They're a dynamic team with intensity."