The former Spain boss has a tough act to follow as Zinedine Zidane's successor, but the defender believes he's up to the task
Dani Carvajal has high hopes for life under new Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui, who he believes always gets the best out of his teams.
Zinedine Zidane led the club to a third consecutive Champions League crown last term and ultimately decided to step down soon after, suggesting he would not be able maintain the team's successes.
Lopetegui was announced as Madrid's new coach just prior to the World Cup, a situation which resulted in his sacking by Spain two days before their Russia 2018 campaign started.
Carvajal is no stranger to Lopetegui, having worked under him with Spain's Under-19s, U21s and senior side.
And he is confident Lopetegui is a smart choice to replace Zidane.
"I have always enjoyed Lopetegui," Carvajal told El Grafico . "I share his ideas of football and he is a coach who gets the most out of each player.
"He is going to do us well and I am already anxious to put myself at his orders. The bar is now very high but we have to have patience."
Madrid head into the new season with an element of uncertainty, having lost both Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo, who left for Juventus this month.
But Carvajal was keen to highlight their team spirit, something he believes has been vital for their successes.
"We all get along well," he added. "I think that is key for success. It's practically a family and that makes everything easier on the pitch.
"The pressure at Real Madrid is always there and you learn to live with that. We enter [training] every day and share [the pitch] with the best in the world – it's amazing.
"I think the good atmosphere has been fundamental for things to go well."
Kucntuy
1
U ve drop form so much, ready to be a bench warmer
Shina-Ayo
0
But the best is not in the team.CR7
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At 33, Zidane was the best player of the world cup! He had a world Cup legacy. Ronaldo has no World cup legacy. Hala Perez!
hizaiko
0
Naah.. they'll have to struggle this season in UCL.. First Zeedan then Ronaldo leave in just few days will cost them a lot
No doubt.
hizaiko
0
I am confident on this new manager ... I hope he can get the job done
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Won’t do a second year. Maybe not a full one!
Rayokasali
2
Carvajal is the form of his life - in front of the cameras of course.
TonyV25
0
But the best is not in the team.CR7
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What about Zlatan?
shray_srivastava
1
Yes, you say that because, despite being injured, & not playing the most part for Spain he still choose to keep you in the squad & not call up a replacement.
emmyesien70
0
what are madrid's plan this transfer window? We need a striker now that Ronaldo has gone.
Favour Kamasa
1
the race is to early to call
segxxzmichael
0
But the best is not in the team.CR7
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The magnificent
Spartacus_Aye419
2
Whatever this Coach wins this Season will be acknowledged as Zidane's work in Progress, and if he Fails, we know the rest is History.
Borele85
0
bossfrank
1
we will see after atiletico match
frank_leo
3
Hope he brings the beat out of you
as_win10
5
But the best is not in the team.CR7
Sohaib786
2
That clearly means tht he’ll do work with his players only and not engage with any other in the transfer market that means No Hazard, No Courtois, No Willian
Madrid-Ronaldo7
8
but he didn't have a chance to get the best from the best
jackknife
2
I am confident on this new manager ... I hope he can get the job done
Hridoy_MUN_GER_BAR
1
Naah.. they'll have to struggle this season in UCL.. First Zeedan then Ronaldo leave in just few days will cost them a lot