Alaba is title-hungry ahead of the new season with Real Madrid

For David Alaba, the new season begins with well-known goals: the ÖFB captain is aiming for as many titles as possible with Real Madrid, the first endurance test is the first round game in La Liga at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday. “When you have to play against such a strong opponent, especially away from home, it’s certainly not the easiest task. Nevertheless, we’re going there motivated and full of self-confidence. We know our strengths,” said Alaba.

The Viennese is in his third season with the “Royal”. In the first season, the Champions League triumph and the championship looked out. In 2022/23 it was enough for the club world championship and cup titles, but they were at a disadvantage in the league compared to FC Barcelona. In the Champions League semi-finals, the eventual winners Manchester City were eliminated. Alaba’s disappointment has now evaporated. “We look ahead.”

Bellingham reinforces Real

The 31-year-old is optimistic about the future, also due to the signing of Jude Bellingham. “He is very far for his age, you can’t tell his age in his game at all. He can do a lot to ensure that we are successful. We will have a lot of fun with him,” said Alaba about the 20-year-old English team player.

Kylian Mbappe is traded as another prominent newcomer. Alaba’s information on this is limited to the rumors that have been floating around in the media for weeks. Mbappe’s French compatriot Karim Benzema, Madrilenians’ goalkeeper in recent years, said goodbye to Saudi Arabia in the summer. Alaba: “He has contributed enormously to our successes in recent years and is a Real legend. You can’t replace him one-for-one. But we have a lot of quality in the squad.”

In addition to Benzema, well-known kickers such as Marco Asensio and Eden Hazard have also left the club, and there are also injury concerns: Goalie Thibaut Courtois has been out for months due to a cruciate ligament rupture, and newcomer Arda Güler has had to pause for weeks due to a knee injury. Alaba himself, on the other hand, is at full strength. “The preparation went very well, I feel in great shape and absolutely ready for the new season,” reported the 101-time ÖFB international.

• Round 1: Friday, 7.30pm: Almeria v Rayo Vallecano; 10 p.m.: Sevilla FC – Valencia. Saturday, 5pm: Real Sociedad San Sebastian v Girona; 7.30pm: Las Palmas – Mallorca; 9:30 p.m.: Bilbao-Real Madrid. Sunday, 5 p.m.: Vigo – Osasuna Pamplona; 7.30pm: Villarreal – Betis Seville; 9:30 p.m.: Getafe – Barcelona. Monday 7.30pm: Cadiz – Alaves; 9:30 p.m.: Atletico Madrid-Granada.