Ancelotti promises to unlock Real Madrid star's full potential with Brazil – ‘He will show his best version'
Ancelotti promises to unlock Real Madrid star's full potential with Brazil – 'He will show his best version'
Vinicius Jr. is one of Real Madrid's biggest stars. However, the same version of the forward is rarely seen when he wears the Brazil shirt.
Despite having played for the national team for over five years, many fans and experts feel that his performances for the Selecao fall short of the high standards he sets at his club.
Advertisement
In Brazil, this difference is often criticised. Many believe there are two versions of Vinicius: the electric forward who shines at the Santiago Bernabeu and a more reserved figure in the yellow and green.
For a player tipped to be a Ballon d'Or contender last year, his stats for Brazil are underwhelming, having scored just six goals and six assists in 39 appearances since making his senior debut in 2019.
Ancelotti's support could be a turning point
With Carlo Ancelotti officially stepping in as Brazil's new head coach, there is growing optimism that Vinicius can finally bring his best version to the national team.
Advertisement
Ancelotti has worked closely with the forward at Real Madrid and knows exactly how to get the best out of him. Under the Italian's tutelage, Vinicius reached new heights, becoming one of the most feared wingers in Europe.
Ancelotti has promised to ressurrect Vinicius' international career. (Photo by)
In his first press conference as Brazil boss, Ancelotti was quick to address the concerns around the forward's performances.
'It's hard to say why he hasn't been at his best with Brazil. But if it hasn't happened yet, it will now. He's an extraordinary player, hardworking and a real fighter,' said Carletto.
Ancelotti also offered a more personal explanation. He believes that the intense emotional connection Brazilian players have with the national team might actually create pressure that blocks natural instincts.
Advertisement
'Sometimes players want to do so well for their country that they overthink things. That can affect their performance,' he explained.
Still, Ancelotti remains confident that the best of Vinicius in Brazil colours is yet to come. 'I am totally convinced that Vini, with Brazil, is going to show his best version,' he stated firmly.
With a new era beginning under Ancelotti, Brazilian fans are hopeful that Vinicius will finally deliver the kind of performances he regularly provides for Real Madrid, only this time, on the international stage.
Source: SPORT
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
From Dembélé to Salah: six contenders in an open race for men's Ballon d'Or
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) George Weah remains the only African to win the prize and the Liverpool forward's form in the past year has put him in a similar bracket to the Liberian. 'The Egyptian King' scored 29 goals and assisted a further 18 to lead the Reds to the Premier League title, but he could not take them further than the last 16 in the Champions League. Arne Slot played Salah in every league match, a sign of his importance and his stupendous fitness. 'He's had very, very, very good seasons at Liverpool but this one probably stands out in terms of numbers,' Arne Slot said of Salah's Ballon d'Or chances. 'If there's ever a chance for him, it would be this season. If not, then he's going to try to push even harder next season'. Turning 33 in mid-June, this might be Salah's final chance to achieve the highest personal accolade in the game, even if his head coach thinks otherwise. Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain) Finally, at 28, the forward is fulfilling his promise and filling his mantelpiece with shiny trinkets in the process. Dembélé's career was on the slide when he moved to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona in 2023, but back in France he has looked more comfortable. Luis Enrique, a former Barcelona manager, is getting the best out of him, even after dropping the France international for disciplinary reasons in October. His pace and skill have traumatised defenders alongside that of Désiré Doué – this year's vote might come too early for the talented teenager – across the continent and helped PSG secure a historic first Champions League triumph to complete the treble. Dembélé makes beating defenders look easy, scoring 21 goals in 29 Ligue 1 appearances in the process. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain) Having started the season in Naples, the Georgian can boast the rare feat of winning two domestic titles – Serie A and Ligue 1 – in the same year. Oh and he lifted the Champions League. Not bad for a lad who used to play for Rustavi. Everyone has known about Kvaratskhelia's qualities for a long time; that ability to breeze past players, going left and right, while possessing a vicious strike to test the fingers of any goalkeeper. The son of a former international – although his father Badri played for Azerbaijan – Kvaratskhelia's path to stardom may not have taken the most direct route. The 24-year-old played three seasons in Russia before Napoli came calling. Kvaratskhelia made a difference when it mattered for PSG in Europe, taking them to the extra level they struggled to find in the league stage. Raphinha (Barcelona) Remember that bloke who once saved Leeds from relegation? Well, he is now a serious contender for the Ballon d'Or, which is an especially strange thing to consider given 12 months ago Barcelona would have quite happily waved the Brazilian off into the sunset in the hope of getting some much-needed cash. Hansi Flick always wanted Raphinha to stay because he appreciated the 28-year-old's qualities. and he has become an influential on-pitch figure at Barcelona. A goal every other league game - and 34 in all competitions - was a key reason behind Barça becoming La Liga champions for a 28th time, as well as reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League. And Raphinha, used predominantly on the left-wing, will for ever be a hero in Barcelona after scoring two goals in last month's 4-3 clásico win over Real Madrid. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) There are few guarantees in life but if Lamine Yamal does not win the Ballon d'Or this year then he will definitely do so in the future, and almost certainly many times. The 17-year-old is a generational talent, already laden with medals and personal awards. Last summer it was the European Championship; this season the Copa del Rey and La Liga. 'He has no ceiling,' Raphinha said of his teammate. 'He can go as far as he wants. It all depends on him. He has quality, commitment and works hard.' No one wants to play against the prodigy who has a knack for cutting in from the right and finding the top corner, leaving a trail of shellshocked defenders in his wake. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) Currently listed at 50/1 by some bookmakers, Mbappé retains plenty of admirers. The Frenchman came sixth at the ceremony last year and none of those who finished above him are in contention this time. Admittedly, his first year at Real Madrid can be classed as forgettable. Mbappé won the Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup but losing out to Barcelona in La Liga and being brushed aside by Arsenal in the Champions League does not do much for egos in the Spanish capital. The goals flew in for Mbappé, with the 26-year-old scoring 31 times in 34 league appearances, but when it mattered in Europe, he did not produce what was required.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Inter Milan & Simone Inzaghi Set To Discuss Four Key Points During Today's Showdown Meeting
Inter Milan & Simone Inzaghi Set To Discuss Four Key Points During Today's Showdown Meeting Today is the day of truth as Inter Milan and Simone Inzaghi prepare for showdown talks regarding the manager's future. Per Corriere dello Sport via FCInter1908, there will be four crucial points of discussion in today's meeting. Advertisement Al-Hilal's mind-blowing contract offer is on the table, yet the Italian giants hope to convince the 49-year-old to stay. Therefore, Piero Ausilio and Beppe Marotta will soon meet Inzaghi to persuade him to pledge his loyalty to San Siro. However, everything hangs in the balance after Inter's embarrassing performance in the Champions League final. Inter Milan & Simone Inzaghi Set to Discuss Four Key Points at Crunch Meeting MUNICH, GERMANY – MAY 31: Simone Inzaghi, Head Coach of FC Internazionale, looks dejected as he walks past the UEFA Champions League trophy after collecting his runners up medal after defeat to Paris Saint-Germain during the UEFA Champions League Final 2025 between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Internazionale Milano at Munich Football Arena on May 31, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by) Even if convinced, Inzaghi will reportedly demand assurances from Inter to continue his career at Giuseppe Meazza. To begin with, the ex-Lazio boss was not happy with the team's athletic preparation in 2024/25. Advertisement Indeed, fatigue significantly derailed Inter's season, leaving Inzaghi genuinely concerned about the team's condition. Then, there's a well-documented issue with Serie A referees. He often felt Inter were on the receiving end of unfair decisions throughout the season. Furthermore, Inzaghi believes the club has not always protected him enough after being targeted by the local media. Last but not least, there's an inevitable market discussion. Inter must inject fresh blood into their aging squad.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Exclusive: Al-Hilal open Ederson talks after rejected Man Utd bid
Saudi side Al-Hilal have opened talks with Ederson's entourage, but Manchester United remain interested in the Brazilian after seeing a €50m bid rejected last summer. Football Italia can confirm that agents of Atalanta midfielder Ederson held talks with Al-Hilal representatives on Monday evening. Man Utd rejected offer for Ederson revealed MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 20: Ederson of Atalanta runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Youssouf Fofana of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 20, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by) The Brazilian midfielder has been linked with leaving the Gewiss Stadium in the summer transfer window. Football Italia understands that Manchester United tried to sign Ederson last summer for €50m, but their offer was rejected. Advertisement The Red Devils remain interested in the 25-year-old, who scored five goals and provided two assists in 49 appearances across all competitions in 2024-25. His convincing performances with La Dea even led to his senior debut for Brazil in June 2024. Ederson joined Atalanta on a permanent transfer from Salernitana in 2022 for €22.9m. Al-Hilal chasing Serie A stars ROME, ITALY – MAY 14: Riccardo Orsolini of Bologna is challenged by Theo Hernandez of AC Milan during the Coppa Italia Final match between AC Milan and Bologna at Stadio Olimpico on May 14, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by) Having more than one club interested in the player clearly goes in Atalanta's favour, as La Dea hopes for a bidding war for the talented midfielder. Al-Hilal have been in talks with several Serie A stars over the last few days, including Milan's Theo Hernandez. They have also sent an offer to Inter coach Simone Inzaghi, who will discuss his future in a meeting with Nerazzurri President Beppe Marotta today.
