The Daily Merengue is a place where you can feel free to discuss all things football. Do not be alarmed by the overt RMCF bias. It’s in the name!

Shoutout to the mods who do a fantastic job, Valyrian Steel, Felipejack, Juninho, NeRObutBlanco and yours truly, Kung_Fu_Zizou

Madridistas, I come to you in the spirit of Madridismo. As the year draws to a close we would like to remember fondly all those dearly beloved, who passed on during the course of the year.

We would also like to express gratitude to all the MMers, including all the lurkers for making the MM experience worthwhile.

Every year is filled with ups and downs and twists and turns and 2023 was no different.

The new year will carry with it new dreams and expectations.

May you all find joy and find peace.

Carlo And The New Bernabeu

There are few managers who love Real Madrid as much as Carlo does. Carlo never played for Real Madrid but his passion for the club is undeniable. I wonder if he would be seen differently if he had been an ex-player like Zizou or Del Bosque. Carlo being in the dugout at the Nuevo Bernabeu will be down to his own professional conduct and his ability to convince the higher-ups that there’s nobody better in the business.

Luka’s Last Dance?

Luka Modric’s future has been a source of speculation since the first time Carlo benched both Kroos and Modric to kick-off the season. It is rumoured that will be his last season at the Bernabeu. Carlo cannot promise Modric starter-status but he might convince the Maestro to continue as part of the dressing leadership and perhaps to encourage him to learn about management before retirement.

Whatever he decides, Luka Modric deserves a proper send-off .

Edu, Aurelien, Vini and Arda are all healthy

Real Madrid have very difficult January schedule and while the game against Mallorca will not have the strongest lineup, the squad will get stronger over the month by recovering all the players with non-ACL injuries. The results in December showed Ancelotti that the squad is stronger than anticipated. There is no need to start the best XI in every single game.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Carlo Ancelotti’s renewal could signal a shift in the way Real Madrid approaches the role of the manager. The club has seldom has a focus beyond collecting silverware ASAP. In recent season, the focus on bringing young players to the club and the accompanying success could lead to a shift from short-term success to long-term stability. Silverware will obviously not be sacrificed for stability but failure to win the UCL or La Liga will no longer be treated as harshly.

The Daily Poll