Real Madrid News
Vinicius Jr. reveals Ancelotti promise after Brazil beat Scotland: ‘He owes me a present’
Vinicius Jr. delivered another match-winning display as Brazil booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 with a convincing 3-0 victory over Scotland.
The Real Madrid forward scored twice in Miami, earning the Player of the Match award for the second time in the tournament and continuing his impressive goalscoring form.
Following the final whistle, Vinicius reflected on Brazil’s growing confidence under Carlo Ancelotti, discussed the VAR decision that denied him a hat-trick and joked about a promise made by the former Real Madrid manager.
Brazil’s progress under Carlo Ancelotti
Brazil have steadily improved after an inconsistent start to their World Cup campaign, and Vinicius believes the squad has adapted well to the demands of tournament football.
Looking back at the team’s development, the winger said,
“When we drew against Morocco, we talked about how the lads are developing, understanding what the competition demands, and recognising the best moments to attack, defend and dig deep during the game.
“I think we played our best game today. Under Ancelotti, the players need to develop and improve because we’re now in the knockout stages and this is the most crucial phase of the competition.”
The 25-year-old also praised the collective improvement shown by the Brazilian squad.
“The players are playing closer together, defending better and attacking better.
“I think the manager will only make things better, or perhaps the players have already done well – and developing as the competition progresses is the most important thing.”
Vinicius on VAR frustration and Ancelotti promise
Although he finished with two goals, Vinicius admitted he was disappointed to see another strike ruled out following a VAR review. Reflecting on the incident, he said,
“It’s a shame my goal was disallowed because that would have made it three goals in the competition.
“I’ve never scored three goals here for the national team, but what matters is the victory and how our team is developing, because the next phase is about to begin – it’s do-or-die – where the lads have to put in great performances and keep improving to take Brazil to the very top.”
The Real Madrid attacker also shared a light-hearted exchange involving Carlo Ancelotti before the match.
After scoring with a header, Vinicius reminded the Brazil coach about a promise he had made.
“Ancelotti owes me a present. I promised the manager I’d score with a header; he told me it was impossible… and that he’d give me a present if I did. I’m waiting,” he revealed.
Source: AS
Real Madrid News
Inter Milan boss Chivu praises Mourinho ahead of Real Madrid showdown: ‘A special person’
Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu has described Jose Mourinho as “a special person” ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Romanian spent two seasons playing under Mourinho at Inter between 2008 and 2010, a period that culminated in the club winning the Champions League at the very same stadium in 2010.
A serial winner
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chivu reflected warmly on his former manager.
“He’s a special person who I was lucky enough to meet in my life. He gave me important help during a difficult period of my life, and I’ll never forget that,” Chivu said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Chivu also praised Mourinho’s ability to influence the teams he manages and instil his mentality in his players.
“He’s very good at immersing himself in the reality of the team he represents and transmitting his mentality. He’s a winner who knows how to communicate things at the right moment. Very few people know how to do that like he does,” he said.
“He has won everywhere he has been, and I’m sure Real Madrid will have a great season.”
Despite his admiration for Mourinho, Chivu insisted that the Portuguese has not served as a template for his own coaching career.
Asked whether he takes inspiration from his former manager, the Inter boss replied: “I’ve never copied anyone. I have my own idea of football, which has been built through my years as a player and as a coach.”
Chivu assesses Mourinho’s Real Madrid
Chivu believes it is still too early to draw firm conclusions about Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid.
“It’s still very early. It has been a fairly balanced start, although they lost their last match undeservedly because they played very well,” he said.
“They’re a team with a great history and a coach who knows how to do things.”
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone”
With Mourinho in the dugout and Chivu in defence, Inter defeated Bayern Munich in the 2010 Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The now-Inter manager believes returning to the stadium where they lifted the trophy 16 years ago will provide a special occasion, although he knows the challenge facing his team.
“The stadium has been renovated and it’s even more beautiful. It has a great tradition and today it’s more beautiful and more modern. We like playing a Champions League match in this stadium,” he said.
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone. Inter haven’t won here for 60 years. We’ll do everything possible and we want to show that we’re competitive and that we have the desire to dominate.
“There’s no perfect way to play against Real Madrid because they have players who can make the difference regardless of the plan you have.”
Inter arrive in Madrid after recovering from a difficult game against Napoli, while Chivu prepares to face the coach who played such an important role in his career.
