Real Madrid News
Vinicius admits World Cup defeat is still affecting him as Real Madrid star seeks confidence: ‘Comeback is never easy’
Vinicius Jr. has admitted he is going through a difficult period but says his teammates continue to give him the support he needs to rediscover his confidence.
The Real Madrid forward has managed just one goal for his club this season, while his latest strike came for Brazil in their 4-2 friendly victory over Australia.
Even then, the penalty Vinicius converted was only available to him because regular taker Raphinha was not on the pitch.
Vinicius’ comments after the match offered an insight into his current mindset, with the Brazilian acknowledging that returning to his best level has not been easy.
Vinicius receives Brazil teammates’ support
Brazil’s penalty hierarchy does not place Vinicius ahead of Bruno Guimaraes when Raphinha is unavailable.
The Arsenal midfielder is normally next in line, meaning Vinicius was not initially expected to take the spot-kick against Australia.
That changed when Guimaraes offered the responsibility to his international teammate.
Vinicius explained that the Arsenal midfielder understood exactly what he needed at this stage of the season.
“Bruno Guimaraes is our penalty taker when Raphinha isn’t playing, and I thought he’d want to take it, but he knows that I need a bit of confidence right now, in this moment,” said Vinicius, as per Fabrizio Romano.
The moment allowed the Real Madrid attacker to find the net and, perhaps more importantly, give himself a small confidence boost after a difficult start to the campaign.
His teammates have clearly recognised the situation and are trying to help him through it rather than placing additional pressure on the forward.
Vinicius admits World Cup defeat still hurts
Vinicius went on to explain why confidence has been difficult to regain, pointing towards the emotional impact of Brazil’s World Cup disappointment.
“My teammates know I need some confidence now.
“Losing a World Cup is hard and difficult to accept, and the comeback is never easy,” he added.
Vinicius’ club performances have not yet reached the standards he has previously set, but the forward continues to have backing from Madrid and from Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
That support could prove important as Vinicius looks to build momentum rather than judge himself solely on his current statistics.
Meanwhile, there was at least one positive takeaway from Brazil’s victory. Vinicius found the net from the penalty spot, giving him a goal to take into the next stage of the international break.
While the circumstances surrounding the penalty were unusual, the goal still gives the Real Madrid forward an opportunity to build confidence.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
