“I don’t have great memories” - Takefusa Kubo says he will not see Real Madrid as ‘former team’ during Real Sociedad’s La Liga clash
Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo has opened up on his time at Real Madrid ahead of their La Liga clash at the Anoeta on Saturday, September 14. He pointed out that he never made a senior appearance for Los Blancos and hence, he doesn't look at them as his former team.
Interestingly, Kubo first arrived in Spain at Barcelona's academy from Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale Jugend in January 2011. However, he returned to Japan in 2015 before joining Real Madrid from FC Tokyo four years later. He never made a senior appearance for the Merengues, though. He spent all his time out on loan at multiple clubs before permanently joining Real Sociedad in 2022.
Ahead of facing Real Madrid on Saturday, Kubo was asked about his time at his former club, to which he replied (via Madrid Xtra):
“You say Real Madrid are my former team, but I didn’t get to make my official debut with them and was always on loan, I don’t have great memories. It’s gone now and I focus on Sociedad. I don’t see them as a former team, but as one of the biggest clubs in the world.”
Kubo, 23, has been excellent for Real Sociedad since arriving, contributing 17 goals and 14 assists in 89 games. He was also linked with a move to Liverpool in the summer.
Carlo Ancelotti on Real Sociedad clash and Real Madrid's packed schedule
Real Madrid have six competitions to compete in this season, having won the UEFA Super Cup just before the season started. They have a packed schedule coming up and are about to play seven games in the next 21 days. They will begin with a La Liga clash at Real Sociedad on Saturday.
When asked about the match on Saturday and the schedule, Carlo Ancelotti said in his pre-match press conference (via Managing Madrid):
“We are aware that we are starting a very demanding schedule. We want to start well. We have recovered some players. We always start with illusion and desire to compete. Real Sociedad is complicated and difficult, but we have a good feeling.”
Los Blancos have had an underwhelming start to their domestic season as they look to defend their La Liga title. They've won both of their home games, beating Real Valladolid and Real Betis. However, they've drawn both of their away games against Mallorca and Las Palmas.