Carlo Ancelotti does not plan to speak with Vinícius to prepare or protect him for the Brazilian’s return to Mestalla, where last year he was expelled after being the victim of racist insults. The Italian understands that his player was the victim and in no case has he considered leaving him out of the squad. “Because? No, the idea is to go play a great soccer game. What the fans want is to see a show,” he revealed.
That is to say, Vinícius’s presence is not in danger. And the coach considers that the player will be focused on his work and not on the environment. “He is prepared as he always does. He does what he can to be as good as possible and I have nothing more to add.”
In addition, Vinícius, 23 years old, has made 250 appearances for the white first team, with which he debuted in September 2018. “Since he arrived I have seen constant progression. He had the quality, he is capable of scoring goals and giving assists. Because of the humility that he has, I don’t see a ceiling for him,” he praised him. But according to Ancelotti, his great secret is the fun with which he understands football: “His best quality is that he really enjoys football.”
Vini seemed motivated in the match in the first round, in which he scored two goals against Mamardashvili at the Bernabéu. But the winger has only scored in one of his four visits to Mestalla.
The episode of May 21, 2023, which the locals won 1-0, will always be hovering over this Saturday’s match. It should not be forgotten precisely so that it does not repeat itself. The Real Madrid coach applauded Valencia’s quick reaction. “Valencia acted forcefully. This sport and this society has to act when someone commits a crime or violence. I think Valencia did well,” he highlighted.
Ancelotti also remembered last week’s tragic fire in the Valencian capital. “We are going to a city that has now experienced a tragedy and we want to play the best possible game. The conflict I have is that I hope the end of the game is a little sad because Madrid won. But I’m sure they’re going to enjoy a great game,” he insisted, always reducing the game to 90 minutes and to football.
There is a lot at stake. And the Real Madrid coach does not hide that the three points from Mestalla are key. “It is one of the most important games left. Sevilla’s was also important. We are approaching the end of the season and every game and every point is important,” he stressed.
For the big duel, and also thinking about the return of the Champions League against Leipzig, Jude Bellingham will reappear, who has missed three games after his injury on February 10. “He is 100%. It is true that he has not trained much with the team, but he is at his best, comfortable with his ankle and is going to play,” Ancelotti discovered.
