Ancelotti Ends the Debate About Vinícius, They're Going to Catch Him: 'His Season...'

Carlo Ancelotti, along with Rodrygo Goes, has addressed the media before Real Madrid's last training session prior to the match against Manchester City.

Real Madrid, already at the Etihad Stadium, will conduct the final preparation session before the Champions League match. The Madrid team, which drew last Saturday against Atlético de Madrid, will try to achieve a good result ahead of the return match.

The reigning champion returns to Manchester City's stadium almost a year later. Last season, Carlo Ancelotti's team managed a one-one draw and advanced to the tournament's semifinals through penalties.

Carlo Ancelotti Defends Vinícius Jr.'s Season

First, Carlo Ancelotti was asked about Manchester City, Real Madrid's next opponent. Both teams will face each other once again in what is already a 'Classic' of European soccer.

"Now it seems like a Classic, it will be an entertaining match like before. It's very difficult to predict what will happen because it depends on quality, personality. They (the matches) have such a high level that you have to bring out the best version", he explained.

Carlo Ancelotti was also questioned about Vinícius's season, and the Italian took the opportunity to boost the footballer's morale. "Very good season considering he had two injuries, 17 goals, and provided many assists. He lacked the continuity that injuries prevented him from having", he commented.

Additionally, the Real Madrid coach stated that he feels very prepared for this type of match. "Yes, there's no doubt that I'm very prepared because of the history I have behind me. When I play a knockout round, there's a risk it won't go well, and it increases when you're going to face one of the best teams", he replied.

Regarding the Ballon d'Or won by Rodri, Carletto was very blunt with his opinion in the Etihad press room. "We didn't want to participate because we believed Vinícius should have won the Ballon d'Or. And that doesn't mean we don't respect Rodrigo, but we believed he should have won the previous year, not this one", he noted.

On His Clash with Guardiola and Defensive Issues

Carlo Ancelotti was also questioned about Pep Guardiola, a figure he encounters year after year in the Champions League. "What I can say is that he seems to me a coach who has contributed a lot to soccer: possession, attacking play, pressing, and building from the back. Every time we face each other, it's a nightmare to prepare the matches because he always has ideas that make you think", he stated.

Meanwhile, Carletto replied that he prefers to give minutes to the youth players rather than Jesús Vallejo for a simple reason. "There's absolutely nothing wrong with Vallejo, the problem is that his contract is ending, and we prefer to give minutes to the young players", he explained.

Finally, Carlo Ancelotti was questioned about the differences in how both clubs acted in the winter market. While Real Madrid didn't sign reinforcements, Manchester City spent more than 200 million euros last January.

"Everyone has their opinion and the right to do what they want to do. Nothing to add in this regard", concluded the Real Madrid coach.