Brazil back Ancelotti to help Vinicius revive Real Madrid career

Brazil have offered Vinicius Jr encouragement at a crucial point in his Real Madrid career, with the forward facing a battle to retain his starting place after the emergence of Yand Diomande under Jose Mourinho.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, there is optimism within the Brazil camp that Carlo Ancelotti can help Vinicius return to his best form. That confidence is based on the successful relationship the pair developed during Ancelotti’s previous spell at Real Madrid, when the Italian played a significant role in the winger’s development into one of the club’s leading attacking players.

Vinicius’ international team-mates believe Ancelotti understands how to manage him and bring out his strongest qualities. Their support comes as the 25-year-old experiences one of the most difficult periods of his Real Madrid career.

Diomande’s rise increases competition

Vinicius’ reduced influence has followed a disappointing individual campaign. By 8 November, he had made 12 appearances, scoring one goal and providing three assists – figures well below the standards he has established in previous seasons.

His position became more vulnerable after Diomande took advantage of his absence through suspension and impressed on the left side of the attack.

Mourinho gave the Ivorian a starting role against Villarreal, a match Real Madrid won 1-0 with Diomande scoring the only goal. Vinicius came on as a substitute but was sent off after an incident in which he pulled an opponent’s hair.

The dismissal resulted in a four-match La Liga suspension, giving Diomande further opportunities to demonstrate his ability and strengthen his position in Mourinho’s plans.

Despite the change in the pecking order, Vinicius’ relationship with Mourinho has not suffered the kind of breakdown seen with Xabi Alonso last season. The Brazil international continues to have the respect and backing of both the Portuguese manager and the club’s hierarchy.

Mourinho wants to recover the decisive version of Vinicius who can create openings and alter the course of matches. However, the manager has not guaranteed him a place in the starting XI, with selection dependent on performances.

That approach was evident against AEK Athens in the Champions League. Vinicius returned to the starting line-up, while Mourinho moved Diomande to the right to accommodate both players. The manager has made clear that the Ivorian can operate on either flank.

Vinicius’ contract runs until 30 June 2032, providing long-term stability for both player and club. It does not, however, remove the need for him to rediscover his form and re-establish himself as a first-choice player.

Brazil hope Ancelotti can make the difference

Vinicius remains an important figure for Brazil, where his team-mates retain faith in Ancelotti’s ability to help him overcome his current difficulties.

The optimism comes from the coach’s previous work with him at Real Madrid, where Ancelotti helped improve Vinicius’ performances and turn him into one of the most dangerous forwards in European football.

Working with Ancelotti again gives Vinicius an opportunity to rebuild his confidence and form. He must nevertheless prove once more that he deserves to start for Real Madrid, with Diomande now established as a serious rival ready to take advantage of any further dip.