48 hours after Vinicius sent off, Ancelotti blurts out: “He’s …”

48 hours after Vinicius Jr. was controversially sent off against Valencia, Carlo Ancelotti has broken his silence. The Real Madrid coach shared his thoughts on the incident, the player’s state of mind, and the team’s focus as they prepare to face La Deportiva Minera in the Copa del Rey.¹ The Vinicius affair continues to be a central topic of discussion within the football world.

Ancelotti’s Firm Stance on the Red Card

At a press conference held on the eve of the Copa del Rey match, Carlo Ancelotti directly addressed the red card received by Vinicius Jr. during the Valencia game.² While acknowledging the official’s decision, Ancelotti made it clear that he believes the sending-off was an injustice. “We’re convinced it wasn’t a red card for Vinicius, it was a yellow card,” he stated emphatically.³ The Italian coach also expressed his hope that the red card will not result in any further suspension for the Brazilian winger.⁴

A Deep Dive into Vinicius’s Mental State

Ancelotti didn’t shy away from discussing the mental and emotional toll that constant provocation and insults have taken on Vinicius Jr. He emphasized the difficulty of being in Vinicius’s position, constantly facing abuse and negativity.⁵ “It’s difficult to be Vinicius and to put up with the insults and everything that happens to him,” Ancelotti explained. “It’s not that simple, but he’s trying to improve and persevere.”

Acknowledging Room for Improvement

While defending his player, Ancelotti also acknowledged that Vinicius Jr. is working on refining his own conduct on the pitch.⁶ “His attitude has improved a lot,” Ancelotti admitted. “Can he improve further? Yes, but nobody’s perfect. He’s doing a lot of work with that.” This balanced perspective shows Ancelotti’s commitment to both supporting his player and helping him grow.

Ancelotti’s High Praise for Vinicius’s Talent

Despite the controversies and challenges, Ancelotti’s belief in Vinicius Jr.’s talent remains unwavering. He even went as far as to declare, “So much so that he’s the best player in the world.”⁷ This strong endorsement from such a respected figure in football is a significant show of faith in Vinicius’s abilities.

Shifting Focus to the Copa del Rey

With the Vinicius situation still lingering, Real Madrid must now shift their focus to the Copa del Rey and their upcoming match against La Deportiva Minera.⁸ Ancelotti stressed the importance of this competition for the team.⁹

Ancelotti’s Personal Copa del Rey Ambitions

Ancelotti also spoke about his personal desire to win the Copa del Rey, a trophy that has eluded him in the past. He emphasized the team’s commitment to respecting the competition and their opponents.

A Look at the Team’s Mindset

“With the usual enthusiasm,” Ancelotti began, describing the team’s mindset heading into the Copa del Rey fixture.¹⁰ “It’s an important competition. We’re going to respect the rival, the shirt, and the competition. We’re going to try to give it our best shot and get through the tie.”

Reflecting on Past Copa del Rey Experiences

Ancelotti also took a moment to reflect on his past experiences in the Copa del Rey, highlighting the positive atmosphere surrounding the competition. “Over the last three years, things have gone very well for us,” he noted. “Playing in the final of this Cup is a very pleasant experience. So our aim is to reach the final.”

The Importance of Moving Forward

The Vinicius Jr. incident serves as a reminder of the challenges that players face, both on and off the field. However, with Ancelotti’s support and the team’s focus now firmly on the Copa del Rey, Real Madrid is determined to move forward and continue pursuing their goals.

Ancelotti’s Role as a Mentor

Ancelotti’s handling of the situation demonstrates not only his tactical prowess but also his role as a mentor and leader. His public support for Vinicius Jr., combined with his encouragement for improvement, showcases his commitment to developing his players both as athletes and as individuals.¹¹

The Impact on Real Madrid’s Season

The outcome of the Vinicius Jr. situation and Real Madrid’s performance in the Copa del Rey could have a significant impact on the rest of their season. The team’s ability to overcome adversity and maintain focus will be crucial in their pursuit of silverware.

The Wider Context of Racism in Football

The incidents involving Vinicius Jr. also highlight the ongoing issue of racism in football.¹² These incidents spark important conversations about the need for greater action to combat discrimination in the sport.

A Call for Change

Many within the football community are calling for stronger measures to be taken to address racism and other forms of discrimination. This includes stricter punishments for offenders and greater efforts to educate fans and players about the importance of respect and inclusion.

Looking to the Future

As Real Madrid moves forward, the focus will be on their performance on the pitch. However, the lessons learned from the Vinicius Jr. incident should not be forgotten. The football world must continue to strive for a more inclusive and respectful environment for all players.