Carlo Ancelotti has stressed the importance of Vinicius Junior to Real Madrid, despite the Brazilian not being at his best.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has defended Vinicius Junior after the 24-year-old forward came under fire from the Brazilian media over his poor performances for the Samba side in their 2026 World Cup qualifiers ahead of Saturday’s La Liga trip to Real Sociedad, Ufabet reported on Friday.
Vinicius has been criticised by Spanish media for an earlier interview with ESPN suggesting that Spain should not host the 2030 World Cup if it fails to address racism in the country.
Before the 24-year-old forward was slamm by the media in the country after his poor performances against Ecuador and Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where the player did not play as well as he did when he shone with Real Madrid, Ancelotti came to the defence of his key player.
‘He is not at his best but he is very important for us,’ Ancelotti said. ‘We are not in a hurry, the team scores goals and he is very important. The last thing I am worry about is Vinicius. He always works well and gives his all. I am very happy with what he is doing. I don’t think everyone is always 100 per cent fit. ‘
One of the reasons for the media’s attention on Vinicius is the news that Saudi clubs, particularly Al-Ahly, are interest in him, but Ancelotti believes it will not distract the player’s attentions.
‘I don’t know if there’s an offer (from Saudi Arabia) or not. I speak to him regularly, we’ve never discussed it. Vinicius loves to play football, so whatever happens off the pitch, it doesn’t distract him from the idea that he should be playing football. ‘
Asked about Vinicius’ poor form for Brazil in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the 24-year-old defender explained that his performance in Europe was due to the slower ball movement in South America.
Ancelotti added: ‘The explanation I have is the problem with Brazil, which I don’t want to talk about. It’s a general problem. They are having trouble สมัคร ufabet finding their best version. It’s not a problem with Vinicius, it’s a general problem. We are happy with him, he’s not at his best. No one can do it all the time. ‘
‘But we can’t forget that thanks to Vinicius we won two Champions League titles. We have to love Vinicius a lot at Real Madrid.’