Latest news with #ViniciusJr
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ancelotti backs Real Madrid forward to carry the legacy of Brazil's No. 10 shirt
Carlo Ancelotti has officially begun his journey as the head coach of the Brazil national team this month. The Italian manager, having left the Real Madrid bench, has taken on the challenge of leading the Canarinha in what is his first experience at the helm of a national side. Advertisement Real Madrid megastar Vinicius Jr. is expected to be central to Ancelotti's plans with the Brazilian national team moving forward as he aims to build a squad capable of challenging and winning the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA. During a recent interview, Ancelotti spoke about the importance and legacy of the No. 10 jersey with Brazil and stated how Vinicius is more than capable of carrying that responsibility on his shoulder. 'The No. 10 in Brazil is a very important shirt, one that carries a lot of weight. I think Vinicius, like others, has the qualities to wear this shirt because he has personality and character…. But in the future, this could change,' said Ancelotti. Ancelotti and Vinicius with the Brazil NT. (Photo by) Advertisement Interestingly, the former Real Madrid manager also stated that there is more quality in South America than in Europe. 'South American football is different from European football. There's a genetic makeup with more quality. In European football, there's obviously quality, but intensity is added,' said Ancelotti. 'In comparison, I think there's more quality here, in South America, and more intensity in Europe,' the Italian emphasized. Ancelotti also shed light on how Brazil had been trying to appoint him as their manager for two years now, when he was still at Real Madrid. 'Brazil has been following me for a long time, we first started contact two years ago. I chose it because I believe coaching the Brazilian national team is a source of pride. It's the team with the longest history in football… I'm doing it with great enthusiasm,' he said. Source: AS
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Vinicius Jr. addresses Real Madrid contract renewal – ‘Want to make history with the team'
Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. was the star of the show in his team's 3-0 win over RB Salzburg. The Brazilian forward scored one goal, set up another, and was deservedly named man of the match. After the final whistle, Vinicius shared his thoughts on the game and, more importantly, spoke openly about his future at Real Madrid. Advertisement 'I hope I can stay here for many years,' Vinicius said with a smile. 'I've always said this is the club of my life. I'm very happy with the coach and everyone on the staff, and I hope I can keep playing here.' His words made it clear he has no intention of leaving any time soon, despite the many rumours that have surrounded him over the past year. Contract extension close When asked about his contract situation, Vinicius confirmed, 'I have a two-year contract left… until 2027,' and stressed again, 'I've always said I want to stay here my entire career and make a great history with this team.' His commitment should put fans at ease after last year's reports of a massive offer from Saudi Arabia, which reached an astonishing €1 billion for five seasons. While that proposal ultimately led nowhere, Saudi clubs are still keeping an eye on the Brazilian star. Vinicius Jr. put on a Man of the Match performance against Salzburg. (Photo by) Advertisement As things stand, a new contract between Real Madrid and Vinicius is almost complete, with only a few minor details to sort out before it becomes official. About the match Meanwhile, talking about the match, the Real Madrid forward seemed extremely satisfied, especially after the criticism he has faced in recent weeks. 'The match left us feeling good. We played very well in the first half, but the second half was a little weaker, but that's normal. We had to pace ourselves for the next round of 16 match, where we can't afford to let ourselves slip.' Furthermore, the Brazil forward also spoke about Xabi Alonso's demands of high press, stating, Advertisement 'It's normal. In today's football, we have to attack with 11 and defend with 11. 'I like to play inside, closer to the goal and provide assists. It's a very similar position to the year of the last Champions League. We're very compact. Understand,' he concluded.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Alonso talks Vinicius, Garcia, Mbappe, Rudiger, Bellingham, Endrick after RB Salzburg 0-3 Real Madrid
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso shared his joy after his team beat RB Salzburg, a victory that secured their place as group winners in the Club World Cup round of 16. Up next, they willl face Juventus in what promises to be an exciting clash. Speaking after the match, Alonso highlighted Vinicius Jr.'s outstanding performance. Advertisement 'I'm not just happy with his goal and assist,' he said, 'but also with how he came back to help in defence and his effort in pressing. 'He had freedom in attack and worked well with Gonzalo. Many players left the pitch feeling good. I'm really happy for him and the whole team, but we know the journey is still long.' On Gonzalo Garcia Alonso has nothing but praise for Gonzalo Garcia. (Photo by) When asked about young striker Gonzalo Garcia, Alonso made it clear he always believed in him. 'What he's doing doesn't surprise me at all. He's shown it many times with Castilla. He's a classic number nine who waits for the right moment and moves smartly. 'He reminds me of Raúl with his movements. I'm very happy for him. But there are no decisions yet about next season.' Integrating Vini, Mbappe, and Garcia Alonso is confident about getting the best out of his attacking stars. 'Of course, they can play together. It's not about each one doing their own thing, but about building a strong unit,' he explained. Advertisement On Kylian Mbappe's chances of returning for the round of 16 against Juventus, Alonso said, 'We want him back in top shape. I can't confirm if he'll play, but we're optimistic for Tuesday.' He also addressed Antonio Rudiger's condition after the game, saying, 'He just had cramps, nothing serious. He's comfortable playing with three centre-backs, like at Chelsea. He gives us strength and helps us stay flexible.' On Guler, Bellingham and Endrick Alonso explained integration of Guler and Bellingham. (Photo by) Discussing his midfield options, Alonso praised Arda Guler and Jude Bellingham. 'With Jude between the lines, we can create superiority. Arda plays deeper, controls well, and links nicely with the defenders.' Advertisement He also provided an update on Endrick, the young Brazilian star, stating, 'He's still recovering, but we want him back soon. He'll join us in the US for training, and I'm counting on him for the future.' Lastly, when asked if any injured Real Madrid star will return in the round of 16, he said, 'Well, let's wait and see. I don't want to get ahead of myself. We thought Mbappe would make it to this one, but that wasn't the case. 'There are four days of preparation left, and I want to be optimistic, but also cautious. We'll see,' he concluded. Source: AS
The Sun
a day ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Alonso's tactical shift sees Real Madrid top Group H with comfortable win over Salzburg
NEW Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso introduced a bold tactical change as his side defeated RB Salzburg 3-0 on Thursday to finish as Group H winners and set up a mouth-watering last 16 tie against Juventus at the Club World Cup. Alonso, who arrived at Real with a reputation for innovative tactics following his trophy-laden stint at Bayer Leverkusen, fielded a five-man defence for the first time since taking over. The system, featuring three centre backs and aggressive wing backs, marked a significant departure from the traditional 4-3-3 formation used by predecessors Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane over the past decade. The change evoked memories of Vicente del Bosque's 2000 Champions League-winning side, the last Real Madrid team to adopt such a structure. 'We're taking it step-by-step,' Vinicius Jr told DAZN. 'Of course, we can't fully adapt to the coach's ideas so quickly, it takes time. But today was a good game for that, especially in the first half.' Alonso had utilised a four-man defence in Real's earlier group matches, a 1-1 draw with Al Hilal and a 3-1 victory over Pachuca. On Thursday Aurelien Tchouameni was deployed between centre backs Antonio Ruediger and Dean Huijsen, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Fran Garcia operating as the wing backs. Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler played as creative midfielders with Federico Valverde in a holding role, while Vinicius Jr and Gonzalo Garcia led the attack. The tactical shift paid dividends as Real Madrid dominated proceedings. Bellingham and Guler consistently found Vinicius in dangerous positions and the Brazilian opened the scoring in the 40th minute, weaving past two defenders before firing into the bottom-right corner. He then assisted on Valverde's goal in first-half added time with a deft back-heeled pass. Forward Gonzalo Garcia sealed the win in the 84th minute, lobbing the Salzburg keeper to cap a swift counter-attack. The performance was a marked improvement from Real's earlier group matches, where they appeared unconvincing at times. 'The first half was serious. We played patiently, knowing that we couldn't win in 10 minutes and that we had to be mature to find our opportunity,' Alonso told reporters. 'We started the second half well and, with the score at 3-0, I'm happy with the lads.' Real Madrid next face Italy's Juventus in the round of 16 on Tuesday, when Alonso's tactical approach will come under greater scrutiny. He is expected to have forward Kylian Mbappe available after the Frenchman missed the group stage due to illness. 'Let's wait and see, I don't want to get ahead of myself. We thought Kylian would be ready for this match, but it wasn't to be,' Alonso said. 'Now we have four days. I want to be optimistic, but also cautious.'
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Real Madrid beat RB Salzburg to reach CWC last 16
Real Madrid have won the Fifa Club World Cup a record five times [Reuters] A new-look Real Madrid beat RB Salzburg 3-0 to finish top of Group H and advance to the last 16 at the Fifa Club World Cup. Manager Xabi Alonso deployed a five-man defence for the first time since replacing Carlo Ancelotti in the dugout. Advertisement Wing-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Fran Garcia were given licence to get forward with Aurelien Tchouameni dropping in between central defenders Antonio Rudiger and Dean Huijsen. Previous managers Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane preferred a 4-3-3 structure, but Alonso's approach is reminiscent of Vicente del Bosque's Champions League-winning side of 2000. Real looked at ease in the new formation and claimed a comfortable win at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Vinicius Jr opened the scoring with a drilled finish into the bottom corner after gliding away from two defenders. The Brazil winger's cute back heel pass set Federico Valverde on his way to double their lead on the stroke of half-time. Advertisement Academy graduate Gonzalo Garcia wrapped up the win with a chipped effort. "We're taking it step-by-step," Vinicius Jr told Dazn. "Of course, we can't fully adapt to the coach's ideas so quickly, it takes time. But today was a good game for that, especially in the first half." What next? Real Madrid head to Florida to face Group G runners-up Juventus in the last 16 at 02:00 BST on 1 July. RB Salzburg picked up four points across three fixtures but could only finish third - a point shy of runners-up Al-Hilal - and are heading home.
