Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has jumped to the defense of Vinicius Jr amid criticism of the Brazilian attacker’s attitude.
Vinicius Jr is often targeted by opposition players and the same was the case when Real Madrid faced Athletic Club in their previous La Liga fixture. He was fouled six times by Athletic Club in the game, more than any other players on the pitch. Athletic Club’s fans’ treatment of Vinicius Jr was also far from positive.
Vinicius Jr also made complaints to the referee during the Real Madrid vs Athletic Club fixture. The referee, at one point, reached out to Carlo Ancelotti and asked the Real Madrid manager to calm down Vinicius Jr.
Speaking after Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Athletic Club, Carlo Ancelotti leaped to the defense of Vinicius Jr. The Real Madrid manager said he believes Vinicius Jr deserves more respect than he gets.
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Vinicius Jr deserves more respect, says Carlo Ancelotti
Carlo Ancelotti also said everyone from fans, to opponents, to referees are putting pressure on the Brazilian attacker.
“Vinícius is a great player and he is a very sensible person. I spoke to him to tell him to focus on the game. Everyone puts pressure on him, from opponents to the fans to the referees. It doesn’t make sense to me,” Carlo Ancelotti said.
“It’s true that there are moments where he loses focus a little. I told him that if he needs to speak then to speak to me. He still needs to improve in this, but he’s very young. I love him. I think he deserves a little more respect from everyone,” Carlo Ancelotti added.
Meanwhile, it was goals from Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos that helped Real Madrid beat Athletic Club. Karim Benzema sent Real Madrid ahead in the 24th minute of the game.
Toni Kroos then sealed Real Madrid’s victory with a goal late in the game. The German midfielder made it 2-0 in the 90th minute as Real Madrid earned all three points from the fixture.
The victory means Real Madrid now have 41 points from 17 matches in La Liga so far in the current season. But Real Madrid, who are the defending champions, continue to trail table-toppers Barcelona by three points.
Barcelona, who sit atop the points table, have 44 points from 17 matches in the Spanish top-flight so far in the 22/23 season.
