Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that he spoke with Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. about changes in the club. He also disclosed their reaction.
On Friday (12th), coach Carlo Ancelotti held a press conference and discussed the new positions of Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. on the field. During the conversation with reporters, the Italian shared some details of the talk he had with the two Brazilians and their reaction.
“It could be (Rodrygo playing wide on the left). Vinicius is very humble and understood that this system could be good for the team, with him playing more centrally. It’s something I discussed with both of them and they agreed,” Ancelotti revealed.
The strategy was used in the 3-3 draw between Real Madrid and Manchester City midweek in the UEFA Champions League. At that time, Rodrygo was asked if there was any sort of ‘rivalry’ between the two and how Ancelotti handles both on a daily basis.
“Zero rivalry. I think they always try to create that, it seems they can never praise one without criticizing the other, we always talk about it. Even the Mister, in training, will go talk to him, scold him and scold me too, and vice versa. Today we showed that we can play together, can play on the same side,” Rodrygo said.
Ancelotti’s choice to swap their positions surprised the players themselves in the match against City. And it worked: Rodrygo scored the second goal with an assist from Vinicius Jr., who also set up Valverde to score the third, sealing the 3-3 draw.
“Yes, it was a surprise during the week when he said I would play on the left. We are more accustomed to Vini there, today he stayed more central, between the defender and the side, and I was wider on the wing, it was a surprise. I think he did very well, the plan fit perfectly, we created a lot of danger, we could have finished the game, but now we have to think about the return leg,” he concluded at the time.
