Carlo Ancelotti, the esteemed manager of Real Madrid, has attributed the team’s recent slump to a lack of cohesion and unity among the players, rather than singling out individual players like Vinícius Júnior for their disappointing performances. Vinícius has faced intense scrutiny from fans and pundits alike, particularly after being whistled by some supporters during the team’s LaLiga defeat to Valencia last weekend. He also struggled to make an impact in Madrid’s 3-0 Champions League quarterfinal first-leg loss at Arsenal on Tuesday, a result that has left the team with a daunting task in Wednesday’s second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The Brazil international has scored just three goals for Madrid in all competitions over the last two months, as the team has fallen behind Barcelona in the LaLiga title race. Ancelotti, however, remains sanguine about his team’s prospects, emphasizing that the recent downturn is a collective issue rather than an individual problem.

When asked to explain Vinícius and Rodrygo’s lack of goals, Ancelotti diplomatically sidestepped the question, stating that it’s challenging to pinpoint a single reason. Instead, he highlighted the team’s general slump over the last week, which has been characterized by a lack of defensive solidity and a decrease in attacking efficiency. Ancelotti stressed the importance of defensive resilience, particularly in moments when the forwards are not scoring as freely as they usually do.

Despite the criticism faced by some of the team’s star players, Ancelotti remains confident in his team’s ability to bounce back. He also addressed questions about his own future beyond this summer, stating that his contract with the club runs until 2026 and that he shouldn’t have to discuss his future at this point. Ancelotti’s tone conveyed a sense of calm and assurance, reflecting his experience and composure as a manager.

Regarding the team’s performance against Arsenal, Ancelotti acknowledged that the statistics were clear: Real Madrid ran less than their opponents, which undoubtedly affected their overall performance. However, he also pointed out that total distance covered is not the only metric that matters, and that the team has won championships in the past despite running less than their opponents. Ancelotti’s analysis was nuanced and thoughtful, reflecting his deep understanding of the game.

Ancelotti confirmed that midfielder Dani Ceballos, who had become an important member of the team before suffering a hamstring injury in February, was fit to face Alavés in LaLiga on Sunday. The team’s upcoming match against Alavés will be a crucial test for Real Madrid, as they look to regain their momentum and confidence ahead of the second leg against Arsenal. With their sights set on a strong performance, Real Madrid will aim to silence their critics and demonstrate their resilience and determination.