Ancelotti Reaffirms Confidence in Vinicius

Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti renewed his confidence in striker Vinicius Jr. despite the Brazilian’s difficult spell since the start of the season with Spanish club Real Madrid, ahead of an international friendly played yesterday against India on Saturday in Kolkata.

During a press conference, Ancelotti affirmed that Vinicius is a “key player” for the future of the Brazilian national team, the five-time World Cup champions, responding to criticism linked to Real Madrid’s shaky start in La Liga, even though the player renewed his contract last August until 2032. He added, “I will be very patient with him, because he deserves this patience.” The Italian coach continued, “I know him very well. He is a key player for the Selecao, a key player in my football career, and a key player for the future of the national team.”

Ancelotti, who won the UEFA Champions League twice while serving as Real Madrid’s coach, was previously associated with the left winger. He added, “He is not at his best right now,” but stressed that “Vinicius can still always make a difference,” as the player has gone through six consecutive matches without scoring for the royal club.

This optimism gains greater significance amid the absence of right winger Raphinha due to a muscular injury in his right thigh.