Illarra stays in the gym for Madrid’s second training session

The new signing had a slight muscle strain and didn’t head out onto the pitch. The ball was the star of Ancelotti’s session.

Ball, ball and more ball. Apart from the new signings and the new coach the ball has been the star of Real Madrid’s first two training sessions of the pre-season. Carlo Ancelotti took training this morning and during the 15 minutes the doors were open to the press all that could be seen were smiles, cheery faces and the ball in movement.

The players started at 10:30 in the gym with both group and individual exercises. At 11.00 they went outside onto the pitch for physical exercise with the ball. During this part of the session Kaká was seen talking to Ancelotti again. The Italian has made it his goal to bring out the best on the Brazilian again this season.

Asier Illarramendi didn’t head outside with his new teammates; the new signing from Real Sociedad staying in the gym to work on a slight muscle strain. Xabi Alonso and Raphael Varane were also missing, as they continue their recovery. The internationals involved in the Confederations Cup are back on the 28^th.

On the pitch the players were divided into two groups (with bib: Nacho, Denis Cheryshev, Isco, Coentrao, Khedira, Kaká, Pepe and Cristiano; without bib: Morata, Casemiro, Carvajal, Modric, Benzema, Özil, Di María and Higuaín) to play a practice game. Ancelotti demanded pace and quick circulation of the ball, limiting each player to two touches before moving the ball on.