Blog

Mourinho

Barca‘s arch-rivals Real Madrid will travel to Real Mallorca tomorrow for JoseMourinho‘s first competitive game since replacing Manuel Pellegrini atthe helm.

His side have been solid if unspectacular in warm-up games as he has experimented with line-ups and formations.

Of the new recruits, Argentina winger Angel Di Maria has caught the eyewith two goals in the last two games, but Mourinho‘s biggest problem isin defence.

With Raul Albiol, Pepe and Ezequiel Garay all injured Sergio Ramos and Ricardo Carvalho will probably act as a standin centre back pairing.

Financially troubled Mallorca are also unveiling a new coach, former Danish international Michael Laudrup.

He has a tough task to replicate last season‘s fifth-place finish underGregorio Manzano, the club relying heavily on their youth system tobolster their squad.

Valencia start a new era without Spain duo Villa and David Silva, who had to be sold over the summer tohelp reduce crippling debts despite achieving a Champions League place.

They open their campaign away to Malaga today without injured new striker Roberto Soldado.

Malaga are marked out as a side to watch after being bought by a member of the Qatari royal family in June.

They have appointed former Porto boss Jesualdo Ferreira to head up their new project, and have brought in seven new players.

The three promoted clubs all face tough opening-day encounters. RealSociedad are at home to Villarreal tomorrow while Hercules and Levantehost Athletic Bilbao and Sevilla respectively today.