Madrid not worried about Barca clash
Aitor Karanka, Real Madrid assistant coach
The Whites, who clinched the La Liga title last season, will face the Copa del Rey winners in a two-legged tie which normally marks the start of the Spanish season.
However, Karanka insists that there’s plenty to focus on before they start thinking about going against their bitter rivals.
“We still have matches and training to come, and also before the Super Cup we have a league match,” said Karanka. “This team continues to grow and has the ambition to win.
“With the quality we have and the group of people out there, this ambition gives us the strength for future and to try to be champions in whichever competitions we enter.”
Midfielder Nuri Sahin, who has been linked with a move away from the club due to lack of game time, played at right-back during Sunday’s 2-1 win over Mexican side Santos Laguna, and Karanka believes he will benefit from being out on the field.
"The important thing at this point is to play. Nuri is playing wing-back and is doing well,” he said.
“He is the first to want to play anywhere and get experience. The important thing is that there are no injuries and those who play help the team.
“We are happy with everyone, those who started early and those who joined later.”
Real Madrid will play their next friendly against AC Milan in New York on August 8th.
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