Carlo Ancelotti has claimed that Vinicius Junior will retain his place on the left side of Real Madrid‘s attack, even if Kylian Mbappe joins from Paris Saint-Germain next summer.
The Italian coach admitted that the Brazilian forward didn’t stand out in Real Madrid‘s comfortable 3-0 victory away at Sheriff Tiraspol in midweek, although he did stress that Vinicius is not struggling due to fatigue.
“In the game against Sheriff, [Vinicius] was not at his usual level, I agree, but he was not tired,” Ancelotti said during Saturday’s pre-match press conference.
“Vini is a player who has to be on the left and he is going to continue playing there, whoever his teammate is.”
Ancelotti went on to express his satisfaction over Real Madrid‘s form and results so far in the first season of his second spell at Los Blancos.
“We have to be happy,” added Ancelotti. “We can improve, but we have done well.
“The team are doing well and I think we can get to Christmas well. I love the squad now that I know them better. [They have] experience, they are getting on well with each other, [they show] commitment and [are] humble. I like the environment.”
Ancelotti on Bale’s agent
Gareth Bale‘s agent, Jonathan Barnett, claimed earlier this week that Real Madrid fans have mistreated the Wales international, but Ancelotti believes that supporters have shown respect towards his player.
“I don’t know [Barnett], but as far as I know, Bale doesn’t think that because he respects the fans and they have always respected him,” noted Ancelotti.
“He is not the only player who has been whistled at. I have nothing to say.”
No Hazard vs Sevilla
Real Madrid will be without Eden Hazard once again when they face Sevilla on Sunday night, with the Belgian still suffering from gastroenteritis.
“I am not in his head but what I see is that he is a player who has had bad luck and wants to come back to do his best for this team,” said Ancelotti.
“He has always had the dream of playing for Real Madrid. The important thing is that in these moments is to hang in there.
“If you want something everything will work out and he’s doing everything he can.”
