Vinicius enjoys Ancelotti's trust

Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti has reaffirmed his confidence in striker Vinicius Jr., despite the player’s difficult spell since the start of the season with Spanish club Real Madrid, ahead of an international friendly against India in Kolkata. At a press conference, Ancelotti described Vinicius as a “key player” for the future of Brazil, 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. “I will be very patient with him, because he deserves that patience,” he added. The Italian coach continued: “I know him very well. He is a key player for the Selecao, a key player in my career, and a key player for the future of the national team.” Ancelotti, nicknamed “Carletto,” won the Champions League twice with the left winger during his tenure as Real Madrid manager. He added that Vinicius “is not at his best right now,” but stressed that “Vinici can still always make a difference,” as the player has gone six consecutive matches without scoring for the royal club. This optimism gains greater significance with the absence of right winger Raphinha due to a muscle injury in his right thigh.