Former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, now in charge of the Br azilian national team, recently sat down for an exclusive interview with AS, where he opened up about several of his former players and shared his perspective on the current state of the club.
The Italian tactician, who left a lasting legacy at the Santiago Bernabeu, reflected on the progress of Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, and the work being done by his successor, Xabi Alonso.
When asked why Vinicius has struggled to replicate his Real Madrid form for Br azil, Ancelotti provided an honest assessment of the winger’s evolution.
"That’s true. With the national team, he hasn’t been able to reach the level he usually has at Real Madrid."
"But in recent games, he has improved and done very well with the Canarinha, scoring goals and providing assists. No one can dispute his qualities. Vini is top class."
Ancelotti also reflected on Vinicius’ fiery personality and the emotional outburst during El Clasico, where his substitution caused a stir.
The veteran coach maintained that such moments are part of the learning curve for a player growing into a leadership role.
"He simply made a mistake that day and he has to understand the role he now has at Madrid, the role of being a more important player in the dressing room than he was before."
"He made a mistake, he apologised, and he must learn from these mistakes. The coach has the right to make the changes he needs to improve the team."
Touching on whether Vinicius was affected by missing out on the Ballon d’Or, Ancelotti suggested it might have briefly impacted him but praised his resilience.
"It may have affected him a little, but now Vini is close to his best form. He’s playing very well and is proving decisive."
"Vini has a strong character. He does not dwell too much on his mistakes or the criticism he receives. He looks ahead very quickly. I’m sure Vini will arrive at the World Cup in top form."
The Italian also spoke warmly about Rodrygo, revealing how he helped the young forward during a difficult period last season.
"Generally speaking, we all have moments of greater or lesser difficulty in life. When you’re going through a difficult time, you need help from the people around you."
"Now I see Rodrygo doing very well on a personal level, motivated, happy, which wasn’t the case at the end of last season."
On the subject of Xabi Alonso, who has taken charge of Real Madrid and currently leads both in La Liga, Ancelotti expressed full confidence in his former player’s ability to thrive.
"I see a solid team, especially at the back, and very strong in attack. Mbappe is doing very well, and Bellingham is back. I think Xabi can succeed without any problem."
Despite acknowledging the immense pressure that comes with managing Los Blancos, Ancelotti insisted Alonso is handling it admirably.
"I can’t give him any advice. I watch all of Real Madrid’s matches because I want to see how the Br azilians are doing, and I think the team is doing very well."
"They’ve won almost every game, but unfortunately, you can’t always win in football. Sometimes you have to draw."
To conclude, Ancelotti reflected on the new generation of footballers dominating the global stage.
"It’s difficult to say who will be the new king of football. It’s true that there are only a select few who are on a higher level. Madrid has Mbappe, Bellingham…"
"Lamine is doing very well, too. Raphinha is injured, but he’s very good, as he proved last year. And Haaland is also scoring a lot of goals for City," he concluded.