Ancelotti attends Real Madrid training to assess Brazil stars ahead of La Liga meeting

Carlo Ancelotti visited Real Madrid’s training base at Valdebebas on Thursday as the club prepared for Friday’s La Liga fixture against Real Betis, with the Brazil manager using the opportunity to check on the fitness of Endrick, Rodrygo and Eder Militao.

The Italian coach was present before the session began and greeted the Real Madrid squad. According to Marca, he paid particular attention to Endrick, Rodrygo and Militao, who trained separately from the rest of the group as they continued their recovery programmes.

Ancelotti’s appearance was not simply a social visit. The three players are important members of the Brazil squad, which he now manages, and he wanted to assess their condition personally with the next international break only a few weeks away.

Rodrygo and Militao have both had to deal with long-term injuries, while Endrick was the only one of the three available to Brazil at the most recent World Cup. Brazil were eliminated by Norway in the last 16, leaving Ancelotti with limited options as he sought to manage his squad during the tournament.

The visit also highlighted the close relationship between Ancelotti and Real Madrid, as well as the connection he shares with Mourinho. Mourinho welcomed the former Real Madrid manager and accompanied him around the training ground as he greeted the players.

Ancelotti’s relationship with Real Madrid under Mourinho goes beyond formal links between a national team and a club. Two weeks ago, the Portuguese manager referred to his Italian counterpart when he was asked about Endrick during a news conference, indicating the strength of the relationship between the two coaches.

That friendship has helped create smooth communication between Real Madrid and the Brazil national team. Ancelotti’s presence at Valdebebas offered him a chance to maintain that dialogue while receiving an update on three players he considers central to Brazil’s plans.

The timing of the visit was also significant for the club. Real Madrid were preparing for their home meeting with Real Betis on Friday, while Endrick, Rodrygo and Militao continued their work away from the main training group. Ancelotti was therefore able to combine contact with his former club and a direct assessment of the players’ recovery.

His return to the training centre did not involve taking charge of the session. Instead, he watched the preparations, welcomed the squad and focused on the Brazil internationals as they worked towards full fitness.

With the next international window approaching, the condition of the trio will be closely monitored by both Real Madrid and Brazil. Ancelotti’s visit allowed him to see their progress at first hand before decisions are made about their involvement in the national team’s forthcoming commitments.