Why Carlo Ancelotti is watching West Brom videos ahead of 2025 kick-off

Carlo Ancelotti spent Christmas studying West Brom videos ahead of Real Madrid’s return to action tomorrow night.

Madrid open 2025 with a trip to Valencia as they look to extend their five-game unbeaten run – a streak that included success in the Intercontinental Cup over Pachuca in Qatar.

The trip to the Mestalla will see Madrid face a Valencia side playing for the first time under new boss Carlos Corberan.

Corberan was appointed on Christmas Eve and was tasked with pulling the club out of the relegation places.

His previous role was with English Championship side West Brom, and Ancelotti has been studying the Baggies to see if he can pick up any clues as to how Valencia might be set up.

He said: “We looked at how his strategy worked at West Brom. And then you have to see how it can be adapted to the characteristics of the players (Valencia).

“Valencia, the way they played under (previous coach Ruben) Baraja, was a team that was getting close. We evaluated both things.”

🆙 @vinijr 🆙#RMCity pic.twitter.com/0yslVNYSis

— Real Madrid CF (@realmadrid) January 2, 2025

Ancelotti wary of bounce to new manager

The Mestalla can be a hostile stadium, and Ancelotti does not expect an easy game despite Valencia’s low position.

“They are a team that has changed their coach and that can give the players extra motivation,” he added. “For me, Baraja did a fantastic job, but this happens in football. We expect a tough game. We have to be focused on the game and nothing else.

“We want to start the year well. It is a very important match. The team is fine, the days off went well. Everyone came back motivated and in great shape.”

No TTA update

The January window is now open and Madrid are said to be considering a second bid for Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold after an initial bid was rejected by the Premier League leaders.

Ancelotti was asked about the club’s plans this month but played a typically straight bat.

He said: “Talking about this is a bit more complicated. We will see.

“The only thing I can say is that we have a lot of games in January and we are focused on this. “Talking about the market is not easy for me right now.”

The trip to Valencia has been rescheduled for tomorrow night after the original game was postponed due to the devastating floods that hit the region in October.

Madrid are second in La Liga, but with a win they will move two points ahead of Atlético.