Real Madrid have significantly enhanced their attack in the last summer transfer window by incorporating one of the best forwards in the world – Kylian Mbappe – and another forward who is one of the favourites to become one of the best strikers in the years to come – Endrick.
However, these additions have not benefitted everyone associated with the Merengue club. One of the players who is expected to bear the brunt of these additions is the Brazilian forward Rodrygo, who is looking to get relegated to the bench as Ancelotti looks to field his best attacking trio of Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe, and Jude Bellingham.
In such circumstances, there have been rumours of Rodrygo being dissatisfied with his position in the team. However, as Mundo Deportivo has reported, the Real Madrid gaffer clarified that the Brazilian forward was facing such a problem, as he talked to the media ahead of the game against Real Sociedad.
Regarding Rodrygo, the Italian tactician said:
“For him, it’s a motivation to compare himself with these players, and for me, it has the same importance. I’m the one who makes the decisions, and it’s equally important. I don’t see the problem, and he hasn’t told me that he has an issue in this regard, because he’s never mentioned it to me.”
Of course, if there is a problem of this kind, I will detect it. In the locker room, we’re not going to comment on what a player says when he’s with his national team.
Inside, we continue to have a very healthy atmosphere with players who are progressing and will take on more responsibility in the team, like Vinicius, Rodrygo, Valverde, Tchouaméni, and young players who have stopped being young and now need to assume more responsibility in the team, as they are doing.”
The Italian also praised the Brazilian forward for his versatility across the forward line:
“The fact that he is a versatile player is a virtue for him and for us, as we have the opportunity to rely on a player who can play in many positions and always with a lot of movement.”
Rodrygo recently published a social media post in which he seemingly protested his exclusion from the Ballon d’Or shortlist. Ancelotti backed his forward on this issue and highlighted his massive contributions last season:
“I think in the Ballon d’Or selection, he wasn’t valued enough, and I understand that he’s upset. He undoubtedly deserved to be among the top 30. Someone has forgotten what Rodrygo did in last year’s Champions League, scoring in both games against City and always being very important.”
There is no doubt that Rodrygo is facing a difficult situation at Real Madrid. However, he has had a good start to the season, as he has already scored a goal, and hopefully Ancelotti will be able to keep getting out the best of him even in such an adverse situation.
