The Real Madrid coach, Carlo Ancelotti, issued a stern warning to Brazilian forward Vinícius Jr. after Vinícius displayed frustration upon being substituted in a recent match. The incident occurred during Real Madrid's 3-0 victory over Real Valladolid on Sunday, when Ancelotti chose to replace Vinícius with Dani Ceballos in the 85th minute of the game.
Vinícius' reaction to the substitution was less than friendly, sparking a minor controversy. Although Ancelotti did not directly address the issue in his post-match press conference, he took the opportunity to convey a broader message about player conduct and squad rotation. In this way, Ancelotti emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive environment and the need to manage the expectations of all athletes effectively.
The Importance of Squad Rotation
When asked about how to manage playing time and the pressure to keep key players, such as second-half substitutes Brahim Diaz and Endrick, Ancelotti responded in a manner that the Spanish media interpreted as a subtle warning to Vinícius. The Real Madrid coach highlighted the challenges of selecting the starting eleven and managing player expectations.
For Ancelotti, balancing the playing time of all players is crucial. He emphasized that this task is complex, especially with the constant pressure on the players.
“There’s no pressure,” Ancelotti said. “I’m very happy that those who have less minutes are ready and take advantage of the opportunities I give them.” He detailed the difficulties in making decisions about the lineup, mentioning that players who stand out in training, like Lucas Vazquez, sometimes do not make the matchday squad. “Making the lineups is very complicated,” Ancelotti added. “Choosing the starting team is a tough responsibility, but I need to do it.”
Ancelotti also commented on the physical demands of the intense heat during the home match at 5 PM. With the team’s busy schedule, which includes games against Las Palmas and Real Betis in four days, managing player fatigue will be essential.
The coach hinted that it may be necessary to rotate players, giving opportunities to Brahim Diaz and Endrick to start. This could impact the involvement of Vinícius and Rodrygo in the upcoming matches. Ancelotti's remarks reflect the ongoing challenge of balancing player satisfaction with tactical considerations as Real Madrid navigates a demanding season.
