Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti refused to criticize Brazil boss Tite for omitting Vinicius Junior in the November international World Cup Qualifiers after the Real Madrid star’s match-winning performance at Elche on Saturday evening.
Vinicius took his tally to seven goals in 11 LaLiga games in 2021-22, more than he managed in his previous two seasons combined, as Los Blancos claimed a 2-1 win at the Martinez Valero.
The Brazilian winger scored in each half, either side of Raul Guti’s dismissal, to send Madrid back to the top of the table despite a nervy finish to the game following Pere Milla’s late goal.
Vinicius Jr celebrates after scoring for Real Madrid against Elche in a La Liga clash. The winger has been omitted in the Brazil squad and Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has refused to criticize his Brazil counterpart. | PHOTO: Getty Images |
Amid his impressive form, Vinicius has been omitted from Tite’s national squad for the World Cup qualifiers in November, with Barcelona’s Philippe Coutinho surprisingly recalled for what could be his first Brazil game in over a year, as his last Brazil game came in October 2020.
However, Ancelotti was not prepared to criticize Tite for the decision as he praised Vinicius’ commitment this season.
“I haven’t done anything but play him and give him the confidence that he obviously deserves because he’s playing very well and scoring goals,” Ancelotti said.
“As I’ve said many times, I’m not a magician. I try to do my best and give maximum confidence to all the players. The Brazil issue is a friend’s decision. A great friend. I’ve nothing to answer.”
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has refused to critcize Brazil for omitting winger Vinicius Jr despite his great form. | PHOTO: Real Madrid.Com |
“He has confidence now. Everything is going well for him. He’s also getting used to playing a bit more inside because he has the speed to do it. It’s one thing to play one-against-one on the wing and another to do it in the middle of the box. I believe that little by little, he’s learning and doing very well.”
Vinicius’ opener was set up by Mariano Diaz, who was given a surprise start in place of the rested Karim Benzema.
Luka Jovic, who is yet to start a game under Ancelotti, was again overlooked but the Madrid boss said the striker was not yet fully fit after a knee injury that has perturbed his Real Madrid career.
“Jovic had a problem with his knee in the last game he played,” Ancelotti explained. “He still hasn’t trained and he’s not comfortable. That’s why he didn’t play. He had a sprain and he still hasn’t recovered.
“I like the way Mariano played: he did well, he was committed, he gave a fantastic assist… he played a good game.”
Madrid were in complete dominance of the contest until Milla capitalized on a mistake by Casemiro to give Elche’s 10 men the chance to snatch a point.
Ancelotti felt Madrid should have managed the latter part of the game better, but he said there was little more the players could have given after playing late on Wednesday against Osasuna.
“We have to think that, after two and a half days, you can’t play a game with intensity and energy,” Ancelotti said. “So, you have to get into a middle block and try to look for opportunities when they come. This isn’t a Real Madrid problem, it’s a problem for all teams. You can’t play at your highest level with two and a half days off.
“We didn’t handle the end of the game well. If you’re 2-0 up with an extra man, you can’t think it’s over because the referee still hasn’t blown his whistle. We made it complicated for ourselves, but luckily we have three more points.”
Ancelotti’s side will be in action again on Tuesday when they host Shakhtar Donetsk in a UEFA Champions League clash.
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