Vinicius Junior to Stay at Real Madrid? Ancelotti Addresses Saudi Arabia Rumors

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has addressed rumors linking Vinicius Junior to a move to Saudi Arabia, expressing confidence that the Brazilian forward will stay at the club.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has expressed confidence that his team can secure victories without the services of forward Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian international will miss his second consecutive LaLiga game due to suspension, following his red card against Valencia. Despite Vinicius' importance to the team, Ancelotti believes that Real Madrid has the depth and talent to win without him.

Ancelotti pointed to the team's past successes without Vinicius as evidence of their ability to adapt. “They (people) have forgotten that without Vini we have won two Champions Leagues, he is an undisputed player,” Ancelotti told reporters. The manager also emphasized the importance of allowing Vinicius to recover and recharge, particularly with the most critical part of the season approaching. “The player is the same as always, it's good for him to have some days of recovery... to take advantage of and be fresher at the most important moment of the season.”

Regarding speculation about Vinicius' future at Real Madrid, Ancelotti dismissed rumors of a potential transfer. The manager stated that Vinicius is content at the club and eager to continue making history with Real Madrid. “What is difficult for me, since I have direct information about the player, is that he is very happy here and wants to make history at Madrid. We are happy here and we want to make history,” the 65-year-old manager said.

Vinicius Junior has been the subject of speculation regarding a potential move to Saudi Arabia, with reports suggesting an offer in excess of $550 million. However, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti remains confident that the Brazilian forward is committed to the club. “You have to ask him, I don't know if this offer will come or not. He is making history here and he wants to continue like this,” Ancelotti added.

Despite the rumors surrounding Vinicius, Real Madrid has maintained its focus on the season, navigating a packed schedule with seven games across competitions since the beginning of January. The team has managed to stay top of the LaLiga standings with 46 points from 20 games. Ahead of their fixture against bottom-placed Valladolid, Ancelotti emphasized the importance of maintaining their lead. “We give the match the importance it deserves, we have to keep the lead and field the best team possible,” Ancelotti said.

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Ancelotti acknowledged the demands of the current schedule but expressed confidence that the team is finding its rhythm. “It is true that it is a demanding schedule, but little by little we are getting into the right rhythm... The objective is clear, we have become leaders and we have to maintain our position,” Ancelotti said. The Italian manager also provided an update on the team's injury situation, confirming that midfielder Eduardo Camavinga will miss Saturday's clash. However, Aurelien Tchouameni, who sprained his left ankle in November, will be included in the squad.