Carvajal looks forward to the Real era with Mbappé: 'I have suffered against him'

The 32-year-old Dani Carvajal spoke to the media on Tuesday evening, ahead of Real Madrid’s upcoming clash against Atalanta in Warsaw for the UEFA Super Cup.

This match will mark the debut of Kylian Mbappé in a Real Madrid shirt, a highly anticipated event following his transfer from Paris Saint-Germain. Carvajal, a seasoned defender and a key player for both Real Madrid and the Spanish national team, shared his thoughts on the arrival of the French superstar.

Carvajal expressed his relief and excitement about having Mbappé as a teammate rather than an opponent. "I have often suffered in personal duels with Kylian, so I’m glad he’s now my teammate," Carvajal said with a laugh. Reflecting on their past encounters, Carvajal noted that he had faced Mbappé four times while he was with Paris Saint-Germain, in addition to one meeting on the international stage when Spain played against France. During these matches, Mbappé’s speed and skill posed significant challenges, making him a player that Carvajal is pleased to no longer have to defend against.

At the recent Euros in Germany, a direct confrontation between Spain and France in the semifinals was narrowly avoided, as Carvajal was suspended at the time. This added to the defender's anticipation of finally playing alongside the French forward. "I've once again seen up close what an incredible player Kylian is. I'm sure Kylian will help us have another great season together," said Carvajal, who has won the Champions League six times with Real Madrid. His optimism reflects the high expectations surrounding Mbappé’s impact at the club.

Looking ahead to the match against Atalanta, Carvajal expressed his hope that Real Madrid would continue their tradition of success by adding another trophy to their collection. "I hope that after the match against Atalanta, we can once again lift a trophy with Real. It’s going to be a season with new challenges," he added. With Mbappé now in their ranks, Real Madrid is aiming to maintain its dominance both domestically and in European competitions.

However, Carvajal also voiced concerns about the demanding schedule that lies ahead for Real Madrid. The team faces the prospect of an exceptionally busy season, with key competitions including the FIFA Intercontinental Cup in Singapore in December and the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup, which will feature 32 teams and take place in the United States. "If we reach the finals in all tournaments, we’ll end up playing 72 matches. It’s impossible to sustain that in a healthy way, especially with all the travel," Carvajal warned. He pointed out that the sheer volume of matches, combined with the long hours of travel and international duties, puts immense physical and mental strain on the players.

Carvajal urged football's governing bodies to reconsider the current scheduling and workload placed on top players. "The relevant authorities really need to address this. The quality of the matches isn't improving, and our families are suffering as well," he stated. His comments highlight the growing concern among players about burnout and the impact of a congested calendar on both their performance and personal lives.

As Real Madrid prepares to embark on a season filled with high expectations and grueling challenges, Carvajal’s remarks offer a glimpse into the mindset of a veteran player who is balancing the thrill of new opportunities with the realities of the modern football schedule. With Mbappé now part of the squad, Real Madrid is poised for another exciting chapter, but the road ahead is undeniably tough.