Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Dani Carvajal has enjoyed a sensational 2024 so far, having won several trophies already with Real Madrid and Spain.
Indeed, after the Spanish Super Cup success in January, Carvajal lifted the La Liga title in May and followed it up with the UEFA Champions League triumph in early June.
Come July, the right-back was celebrating the UEFA Euro 2024 success with the Spanish national team.
The veteran Spaniard recently sat down for an interview with The Athletic, where he discussed several important topics, including the team’s current situation.
On the team
Real Madrid have not made the best of starts to their La Liga season, with the attack, in particular, not excelling as expected despite the addition of Kylian Mbappe this summer.
Carvajal, though, insisted that with the changes that the squad has gone through in recent months, manager Carlo Ancelotti needs time to find the right balance.
“It’s been an important change after Toni Kroos, Nacho and Joselu left us. With the arrival of Kylian, the coach has to adapt to all the great players we have,” he said.
“In Mallorca and Las Palmas, we lacked a bit of continuity in our play, but we’re going to get there. Against Real Betis, the team showed good signs, we played a pretty complete game and after the international break, we will put all the pieces of the puzzle together.”
On whether there is an issue in the squad with all of Mbappe, Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo seemingly preferring to play on the left flank, Carvajal remarked:
“It’s clear that the three (Mbappe, Rodrygo and Vinicius) feel comfortable playing on the left — but last year I had a lot of space on the wing and it boosted my attacking play a lot.”
“This year, I don’t think there will be any problems. When you don’t have the ball, you have to be structured but when you have the ball, the coach gives us more freedom. The system is up to the coach, he’s the one who decides.”
On his personal situation and future
Real Madrid bid goodbye to one of their greatest players in Toni Kroos this past summer as he announced his retirement after his contract expired.
When asked if Carvajal also intends to follow in the German’s footsteps and retire at the Bernabeu, he replied:
“I have until next summer on my contract. I’m not considering retirement at the moment. I talk about it with my family: I want to enjoy every game, every training session. As the years go by, you realise you have to give more value to every moment and enjoy it.”
The Spaniard hinted that he would like to sign a renewal and extend his contract, which currently expires in 2025, saying:
“The relationship I have with the club is very transparent, very clear. If both parties agree to continue, I hope to stay here for many years.”
Carvajal also confirmed that if he decides to leave Real Madrid at some point, he would not continue playing in Europe, with the USA being an option for him.
“[USA] It’s a possibility. When I decide not to be at Real Madrid, I’m not going to play in Europe and the alternatives are much reduced.”
On being asked whether he would be open to joining clubs in the USA, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, he replied: “Exactly, it would be one of those three options.”
Carvajal was also full of praise for Real Madrid president Florentino Perez for the way he runs the club, saying:
“He’s the best president. He has done nothing but improve the sports complex, the stadium, he has financial solvency with the signings, he’s the leader and the absolute boss of the club.
“It’s very important that nobody is above the president and his work at Real Madrid is spectacular.”
Praise for Lamine Yamal
Carvajal also discussed Spain’s UEFA Euro success this past summer, crediting the atmosphere in the ranks for the triumph, as he said:
“We have a great group. There’s a good atmosphere and a relationship of respect and admiration that helps the group overcome adversity in the most complicated moments.”
The Real Madrid defender reserved praise for Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, saying:
“It seems incredible at Yamal’s age (he turned 17 in July) that he is already in the elite, at a club like Barcelona and with the national team. He has adapted very well to the group. He is still a kid (laughs), so you have to keep your feet on the ground — but he’s a great kid.”
On the youngsters coming through the club
Carvajal is seen as an example for academy players at Real Madrid, with his return to the Bernabeu after being sold to Bayer Leverkusen back in 2012 being cited as a roadmap for the youth talent.
“It is a tremendous source of pride to be a mirror for many of them. To be in Madrid’s first team you need a very high level, especially in midfield and attack — that’s why they’ve resorted to transfers for their youngsters with an option to buy,” he said.
On being asked to name some of the young talents who stand out to him, Carvajal replied:
“Nico Paz (who joined Como this summer) is a great player, Mario Martin (who left for Real Valladolid on loan) too, (defender) Jacobo Ramon, (centre-back) Joan Martinez who is injured, Yusi is doing very well at left-back. They can have a future.”
