Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is already looking towards a better restart to the season when Los Blancos face Mallorca on Wednesday as they play their first game in 2024.

While La Liga took a break for the festive Christmas and New Year period, Real Madrid took the opportunity to extend the contract of the Italian manager, who was initially expected to join Brazil as the head coach at the end of the season. However, he agreed to a contract extension by putting pen to paper, which will see his contract run until December 2026, an extension of a further two years at the club.

The former Chelsea and AC Milan manager hopes to sign off his extension with a comfortable victory at the Santiago Bernabeu against Mallorca.

“The desire is to start this part of the season well. We’ve had good news in the last training sessions: many players are coming back. We will try to play a good game to start the year well. Very happy with my renewal. It has been simple. There have been no problems or doubts. Very happy to continue for another two years as Real Madrid coach. For me, the fact that the club wants to continue with me is valuable, not the fact that they announced it in the middle of the season. I have always said that I was in no hurry. The club has chosen to announce it now because they are happy with the work we are doing.” Ancelotti said.

Real Madrid tops the La Liga table with goals different after 18 games and have won four of their last five matches in all competitions. Mallorca have 18 points from 18 games and are sitting in 14th position after winning three of their last five matches, including two draws.

Real Madrid City rivals Atletico Madrid will also play their first game of the year away at Girona on Wednesday.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu