..Be Prepared : 5 July 2023

The Daily Merengue is a place where you can feel free to discuss all things football. Do not be alarmed by the overt RMCF bias. It’s in the name!

Shoutout to the mods who do a fantastic job, Valyrian Steel, Felipejack, Juninho, NeRObutBlanco and yours truly, Kung_Fu_Zizou

Photo by Pedro Castillo/Real Madrid via Getty Images

There’s never a dull moment at the Bernabeu. This coming season will be full of drama and toil. There’s reason to be pessimistic and even fewer reasons for optimism. The players’ individual quality will be at the fore front even more than before. The balance of the squad means every XI will be about choosing which weaknesses to carry into the game and less about the strengths. The transfer window has brought with it important investments for the future and very little in the way of preparing for next season.

Carletto’s On His Way

Carlo Ancelotti continuing this season seems more like complacency than continuity. As if to drive the point home, he’s already earmarked for the Brazil top job. That does not imply continuity but rather a formality.

Game Recognise Game?

The gap between Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe is marked by the latter’s ruthlessness in front of goal. They play largely the same roles with emphasis on their respective strengths. Vinicius with his dribbling and Mbappe with his finishing. If Vinicius can continue to improve and score more goals, he’s going to be number 1.

Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Juni for the Win!

Juni Calafat, the de facto sporting director at Real Madrid has been increasingly prominent. The chief scout made headlines for his ability to find talent in the south american market and his profile has boomed with the success of Vinicius Junior in particular and South American recruitements in general. Juni’s has been successful on the european conitent as well with the acquisitions of Camavinga, Tchouameni and Bellingham the highlights so far. Arda Guler will be the latest success.

The Scientist

Zidane’s sketchy record with transfers as a manager is surprising given his ability to spot talent in young players. Of course with some players, everyone can see it. Mourinho famously called a young Cristiano, “van Basten’s son”. Ronnie would go on to win multiple Ballon d’Or titles.

Photo by Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images

The Daily Poll