Real Madrid’s starting XI for the 2011-12 campaign is already taking shape, with Jose Mourinho reportedly already preparing for August 14 and 17’s Supercopa de Espana double-header with Barcelona.
Intent on dethroning the Catalans from a three-season domination – that included last season’s 5-0 League and 3-1 aggregate Champions League semi-final wins over Mourinho’s Real, the Portuguese Coach is reportedly persevering with an even more disciplined 4-2-3-1 shape in training, with players given clearer instructions, such as to maintain position rather than chase possession.
Although still on a pre-season tour of China, Mourinho is understood to be specifically preparing the team for their first fixtures – and the first trophy – of the 2011-12 calendar season, the Supercopa de Espana clash with Barca.
Marca have reported what they believe is Real’s planned starting XI that Mourinho has been working with separately in training. Interesting inclusions include €30m versatile full-back Fabio Coentrao’s deployment in an attacking left-wing role – moving Cristiano Ronaldo to the right wing – and Karim Benzema’s strong pre-season showing earning him the striker spot ahead of Gonzalo Higuain:
Casillas
Ramos – Pepe – Carvalho – Marcelo
Alonso – Khedira
Ronaldo – Ozil – Coentrao
Benzema
Higuain and Angel Di Maria have only recently joined the squad having taken part in Argentina’s Copa America campaign, but only Di Maria is thought likely to switch into the starting line-up, potentially taking Coentrao’s spot. New signing Nuri Sahin is working separately having picked up a knee injury two weeks ago.
To make sure you don’t miss any of A Different League‘s Spanish coverage this season, follow the La Liga dedicated Twitter feed: @differentliga
Follow @differentliga
