Ancelotti gives the world throne to Vinicius, a "humble" Madrid and the scare of Bellingham: "I can't be more worried than today"
Just a few days before Valentine’s Day, love was in the air at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium. Cupid’s arrows seemed to have hit the players and coaching staff of Real Madrid, as they expressed their affection and admiration for one another after an important victory. It was Carlo Ancelotti who couldn’t contain his excitement, admitting in the press room that their recent triumph had dealt a strong blow to their competition in the league. He even went as far as declaring Vinicius Júnior as the best player in the world at the moment.
Vinicius Júnior himself had a spectacular performance in the game, scoring a brilliant goal and providing key assists for his teammates. However, instead of basking in the praise, he humbly redirected the attention to his teammate, Bellingham, whom he believed was the standout player of the season. This sense of unity and selflessness within the team was further emphasized by Vinicius, stating that they were more united than ever, like a family.
Ancelotti, their revered leader, echoed this sentiment and emphasized the absence of egos within the team. He even playfully mentioned that if Vinicius was the best player, then Bellingham would be second, followed by other talented players like Rodrygo, Kroos, Valverde, and Camavinga. The Italian coach, unable to contain his affection, highlighted the harmony and camaraderie that existed within the squad.
Their resounding 4-0 victory over Girona was attributed by Ancelotti to their collective humility and defensive commitment. With several key defenders out due to injury, the team stepped up and performed exceptionally well. Ancelotti expressed his pride in their ability to overcome adversity and praised their quality and determination.
However, the team received some unfortunate news about Rüdiger’s injury, which would sideline him for a couple of weeks. Despite this setback, Ancelotti remained optimistic and announced Nacho’s return for their upcoming game against Leipzig. The coach also explained his decision to reconvert Carvajal and Tchouaméni into center backs, citing the lack of available options from the youth squad and the need for tactical understanding.
The victory was not without its downside, as Bellingham suffered a sprained ankle and had to leave the field early. The extent of his injury was yet to be determined, but there were concerns about his availability for the next game. Ancelotti, while jokingly stating that he couldn’t be more worried, reassured everyone that Madrid had a talented squad to rely on, with players like Carvajal and Tchouaméni stepping up in unexpected positions.
In the end, despite the challenges and injuries, the team remained focused on giving their best and training diligently every day. With their unity, talent, and love for the game, they were determined to showcase their best version on the field.