Real Madrid's 2011-2012 season starts

Real Madrid travels at this time to the United States to begin on American soil the first stage of the preseason, in which is scheduled to play three friendly matches (in Los Angeles, San Diego and Philadelphia). The team took-off from the Barajas airport at 12:00 (half an hour delay in the scheduled time), with José Mourinho at the head of an expedition. Also traveled with the team, the sporting director, Miguel Pardeza, and the football director, Zinedine Zidane.

Coentrao and Carvalho

The team will arrive in Los Angeles after 13 hours of flight and will be concentrated in a hotel in Beverly Hills where is the Brazilian Kaka, who has enjoyed in California last days of his vacation and will join his teammates. Those not on the tour will be the injured Altintop and the Argentina players who dispute the Copa America (Higuain, Gago and Di Maria). Nor will Lass Diarra, who will stay in Madrid trying to sign for another team.

Before leaving for the United States, the template was at Valdebebas Sport City to pass the relevant medical checks and evaluate the state in which each player arrives after the holidays. The first to go to the Sports City was Mourinho. On time for his appointment with the job and always setting an example, at 07:40 am, the Portuguese coach was responsible for opening the doors of Valdebebas to welcome the new season, his second project in front of the white house.

The illusion of return to work was also reflected in the attitude of the youth squad players. With the template summoned at 09:00 am, were Jesus, Joselu and Casado, three of six homegrown players for the American tour, the first to arrive at Valdebebas around 08:00 am. Fifteen minutes later arrived the Turkish Nuri Sahin who does not seem to see the moment of his debut with Real Madrid shirt.

The rest of the squad was coming after 08:30 am, including new signings Coentrao and Varane who preceded the arrival of Zinedine Zidane, the new director of football for the first team. The president also wanted to be present on this first day to welcome all players, especially newcomers. Florentino Perez came to Valdebebas at 08:45 am, coinciding with Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos. He chatted with the template and the coaching staff for 45 minutes. Khedira, Özil, Benzema, Xabi Alonso, Casillas, Adam... Players appeared gradually and were Callejon and Arbeloa who had the 'honor' of being the last to arrive.