Carlo Ancelotti insists Vinicius Junior deserves patience

Carlo Ancelotti has acknowledged that Vinicius Junior is not currently at his best but insists the Real Madrid forward deserves patience as he works his way back to top form.

Vinicius has endured a difficult start to the season at club level, scoring just once in eight appearances across all competitions for Real Madrid. The Spanish giants currently sit fourth in LaLiga with 15 points.

Despite those struggles, Ancelotti believes the 26-year-old remains capable of influencing matches even when he is below his usual level.

The Brazil coach saw signs of that quality during Tuesday’s 4-2 friendly victory over Australia in Brisbane, where Vinicius contributed to Brazil’s third goal before converting a penalty to complete the scoring.

Ancelotti: ‘He can still make the difference’

Ancelotti knows Vinicius particularly well, having worked with him during his time as Real Madrid manager. The Italian coach believes the forward’s current struggles should be viewed in the context of the early stage of the campaign rather than as a major concern.

“I know Vini very well. To me, he is a key player for the national team – a key player for Brazil – and he was a key player in my own footballing journey,” Ancelotti said.

“He is a key player for the future. Is he at his best right now? No, he isn’t, but it is the start of the season. And Vini, always, even when he isn’t at his best, he can still make the difference, just as he did today.”

Vinicius’ contribution against Australia offered evidence for Ancelotti’s argument, with the forward playing a role in the goal that helped Brazil take control of the contest.

The Brazil boss specifically highlighted that contribution as an example of why he remains confident in the forward’s ability to influence games despite his inconsistent form.

Brazil boss calls for patience

Rather than placing additional pressure on Vinicius, Ancelotti believes the forward should be given time to regain the form that has established him as one of Brazil’s leading attacking players.

The coach also pointed to Vinicius’ importance to his own career, underlining the relationship developed between the pair during their time together at Real Madrid.

“The goal that really opened up the game was thanks to him. So, I’m going to be very patient, because he deserves that patience.”

Vinicius will now have another opportunity to build momentum with Brazil when they continue their preparations with another friendly.

Brazil travel to Kolkata for a meeting with India on Saturday, with Vinicius expected to remain an important part of Ancelotti’s plans.

The match will give the Real Madrid forward another chance to build on his contribution against Australia as he looks to rediscover his sharpest form.