Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has issued a stern warning to Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr. following a visible display of frustration from the player after being substituted during a recent match. The incident occurred in Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Real Valladolid on Sunday, where Ancelotti opted to replace Vinicius with Dani Ceballos in the 85th minute of the game.
Vinicius’s reaction to the substitution was less than amicable, leading to what has been described as a minor controversy. Although Ancelotti did not address the issue directly in his post-match press conference, he used the opportunity to convey a broader message about player conduct and squad rotation.
When asked about managing playing time and the pressure to keep key players like second-half substitutes Brahim Diaz and Endrick engaged, Ancelotti responded in a manner interpreted by the Spanish media as a subtle warning to Vinicius. The Real Madrid coach emphasized the challenges and complexities of selecting the starting eleven and managing player expectations.
“There is no pressure,” Ancelotti stated. “I’m very happy that those who have fewer minutes are ready and take advantage of the opportunities I give them.” He further elaborated on the difficulties of making lineup decisions, mentioning that even players who excel in training, like Lucas Vazquez, sometimes do not make it into the matchday squad. “Making the line-ups is very complicated,” Ancelotti added. “It is difficult and it bothers me, it makes me sad to choose, but it is my responsibility to select the starting eleven.”
Ancelotti’s comments also touched on the physical demands placed on players due to the intense heat during the local 5 p.m. kick-off time. With the team’s busy schedule, including upcoming matches against Las Palmas and Real Betis within four days, managing player fatigue and ensuring optimal performance levels will be critical.
The Real Madrid coach hinted that rotations might be necessary, potentially giving opportunities to players like Brahim Diaz and Endrick to start, which could impact Vinicius and Rodrygo’s involvement in the forthcoming fixtures. Ancelotti’s remarks reflect the ongoing challenge of balancing player satisfaction with tactical and performance considerations as Real Madrid navigates a demanding season.
