Real Madrid has turned the schedule into its main topic of conversation this summer. From the board to the coach, including official media, it has been repeated time and again that Los Blancos haven't had enough time to prepare for the season.
The complaints are multiplying: the match in Miami, the trips, the compressed preseason, and, as the icing on the cake, the complaints against the referees.
Meanwhile, in Paris, a very different reality is unfolding. Luis Enrique's PSG, which has had even less time to work, has shown that it's possible to compete and win without playing the victim.
The contrast between the two teams couldn't be greater. PSG is the champion of Europe.
The schedule, Los Blancos's excuse
Real Madrid played its last official match on July 9 against PSG. After 26 days (26 días) of rest, it returned to work on August 4.
There have been nine days (9 días) of training and the start of La Liga is already approaching on August 19. 15 days (15 días) of work
From the capital, they keep insisting that the planning is unfair. They criticize that they haven't had adequate preparation, that the tour in the United States interferes, and that the match in Miami between Villarreal and Barça disrupts normality even further.
A narrative that recalls previous years: the problem is never internal, it always comes from outside.
The example of Luis Enrique's PSG
In Paris, the numbers are even more striking. PSG played its last match, the World Cup final, on July 13 against Chelsea. It returned to training on August 10, just three days (3 días) before the European Super Cup.
On August 13, with hardly any margin, it faced Tottenham and was crowned champion.
Four days (4 días) later, on August 17, yesterday, it debuted in Ligue 1 against Nantes... Meanwhile, Real Madrid is still on vacation.
In other words, PSG has only had 31 days (31 días) between its last match and the start of the competition (42 for Real Madrid). It has had only three training sessions before playing for an official title.
Despite that situation, Luis Enrique, unlike Xabi Alonso, hasn't made excuses. His team has replied on the field, lifting the first trophy of the season and winning the league opener.
A lesson for Real Madrid
The comparison is inevitable. While Xabi Alonso complains, Luis Enrique wins. While at Bernabéu they look at the schedule and the referees, in Paris they work in silence and celebrate victories.
The Asturian coach has sent a clear message: "Less crying and more playing." The competitive mentality has prevailed over difficulties, and PSG has succeeded where Real Madrid sees a problem.
The difference in attitude marks the start of the season and sends a warning to Los Blancos.
The start of the season makes it clear
Real Madrid will have 42 days (42 días) of rest and nine training sessions before debuting in LaLiga. PSG only 31 days (31 días) and three training sessions before winning the Super Cup. With the numbers in hand, Los Blancos's narrative loses strength.
Florentino Pérez and Xabi Alonso will have to decide whether to keep the strategy of constant complaining or focus on winning matches. Like Luis Enrique and PSG do. The field has spoken, and it has done so clearly.
It seems that Real Madrid is choosing to put on the bandage before the wound appears. Bad sign. They see themselves hurt soon.