Ancelotti defends Vinicius Jr

Real Madrid were knocked out of the Copa Del Rey on Thursday night. While the score was 2-2 at the end of regulation time, the Merengue gave in to a goal from Antoine Griezmann in overtime before finally losing 4-2.

Ancelotti wants to look forward

Real coach Carlo Ancelotti said after the match: “It is not easy to take stock of this match. We played well, we competed until the end, we fought and we came back twice. There were plenty of chances, two crossbars and a disallowed goal. We lost the match by taking unnecessary risks, losing possession and getting punished. It was a very good match from us. We couldn’t have done more, for a whole series of reasons. We have to think about recovering well and trying to win on Sunday.”

Fair play, the Italian technician still wanted to greet the opponent. “Atlético, like us, made a huge effort. Nobody deserved to lose. We lost, but we have to look forward. We gave everything, I have nothing to reproach my players. As in all derbies, there are clashes, but in the end, it was a good match.”

“Vinicius Jr could not keep a cool head”

Among the Madrid disappointments of the meeting there was Vinicius Jr. In addition to being quite discreet, the Brazilian appeared very angry. “ I don’t want to do individual analyses, said Ancelotti. We could have done better when we were tied, we didn’t need to force so much, but we did. There were a few rookie mistakes and that’s the key.”

Regarding Vini Jr, Ancelotti continued by stating: “He had more difficulties in the first half, but in the second half he was decisive in winning back the match. He provided an assist for the second goal and was a constant threat. His game was at a very high level, even if he didn’t score. He will learn little by little. It was a very competitive match where he faced many duels and you are not always able to keep a cool head. I think that’s completely understandable. For me, he played his game, he had chances and he fought.”