Madrid’s start to the season (2 wins and 2 draws in La Liga) has not been entirely satisfactory. And it is the front three – Vinicius, Mbappé and Rodrygo – who find themselves singled out. Despite being involved in five of the seven goals in La Liga, Real Madrid’s attackers are not in their best form. Is that enough to worry Carlo Ancelotti? Absolutely not.
Departures (Kroos, Joselu) and a major arrival (Mbappé) have somewhat upset the tactics of the Italian coach, preferring (until now) to start the trio, which has resulted in Jude Bellingham being placed further back. New automatisms are therefore to be found, and this is not enough to alarm their coach. “Many forget that they started on August 9, and that they were not able to do pre-season. They have improved their condition since then. They are good and happy”, says Carlo Ancelotti, optimistic.
“This is not the best version of Vinicius”
Currently second in La Liga after four games, Real Madrid is less brilliant offensively than its main opponent Barcelona (which pulverized Valladolid 7-0 in the last match). And one of the explanations would be the poor form of Vinicius Jr. Involved in two goals (1 goal and 1 assist), the Brazilian international is struggling to be decisive.
“It’s not the best version of Vinicius, but he’s very important and determined for us. One way or another, we score, that’s the last thing on my mind,” Ancelotti said in a press conference on Friday. “He always works well and gives everything he has. It’s just a matter of time, before he finds his best level again.”
A question of time and perhaps automatism. His duo with Kylian Mbappé has often been criticized. “I don’t know if they are affected, you have to ask them. But, they don’t seem impacted. They train very well. Kylian (Mbappé) is better every day,” revealed the Madrid coach. The two Merengue attackers seem to get along well, both off and on the pitch. This is evidenced by the sharing of penalties, where Vinicius took the first, and Mbappé the second.
“Rodrygo deserved to be in the 30 for the Ballon d’Or”
In the shadow of the “BMV” trio (Bellingham, Mbappé, Vinicius), as Marca headlined the day after Real’s 2-0 Super Cup victory against Atalanta, Rodrygo finds himself sidelined. In addition, he is not among the 30 nominees for the next Ballon d’Or, an incomprehensible choice for his coach. “He deserved to be in the 30 for the Ballon d’Or, without a doubt. Some have forgotten what he did in the Champions League last year. He scored against Manchester City and was very important for us,” Carlo Ancelotti fumed, before adding: “He can play in many positions and always with a very good performance.”
Also involved in two goals, with a goal and an assist, Rodrygo will be able to shine again on Saturday at 9 p.m. against Real Sociedad.
- RMC Sport
