Open Thread: July 18, 2021

The Open Thread/Daily Merengue is a place where you can discuss anything and everything related to football. Feel free to discuss the topics presented here, or start your very own discussions! The Open thread will be posted every day by one of the mods: Valyrian Steel, Felipejack, YoSnail, Ezek Ix or NeRObutBlanco.

12 days of pre-season training are done.

The team carried out their twelfth session of pre-season training at Real Madrid City, focusing mainly on tactical elements. Following the warm-up, Ancelotti split the players into two rondos, before moving on to work on an initial tactical drill with shots on goal. The team then worked on possession using small goal posts and focused on more tactics by combining pressing and ball-playing exercises. They then finished off with a series of games on reduced-size pitches.

Mariano, Rodrygo and Luka Jović will miss tonight’s practice match.

Marca reported that Mariano, Rodrygo and Luka Jović will miss tonight’s match against Rayo Vallecano due to physical problems they suffer from the new Pintus system. Castilla striker Latasa will have the opportunity to play tonight. Mariano Diaz and Rodrygo Goes have been training individually while Luka Jovic worked out indoors along with Ferland Mendy, who is still recovering from the tibia injury he picked up last May. The Frenchman is expected to train again with the rest of his teammates at the end of July.

Mbappe Saga drags on.

L’equipe reported that Kylian Mbappé is still refusing to accept the renewal offer from PSG as he doesn’t believe in the club’s project. There is apparently a lack of guarantees on the recruitment which would allow him to win the Champions League. PSG for their part are also refusing to negotiate for the player though it is unclear if Madrid has made any approach.

Chelsea looking to hijack United move for Varane.

Chelsea have reportedly made an eleventh-hour attempt to snare away Real Madrid superstar Raphael Varane from under the noses of rivals Manchester United according to a report from Marca. It has been claimed that Varane has already reached an agreement over personal terms on a five-year deal with the 20-time English champions, who are looking for a long-term reliable partner for club captain Harry Maguire. Talks with Real Madrid are said to be in advanced stages as well, as per reports in Spain.