Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr has said he still wants to see Carlo Ancelotti as the head coach next season despite a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Manchester City.
Real Madrid traveled to the Etihad for their second leg Champions League semi final fixture against Manchester City. The defending champions had no chance as the English club totally humiliated them. They will now play the final against Inter Milan on June 11.
Pep Guardiola’s team wasted no time as they started dominating the ball right from the start. Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva scored the first goal in the 23rd minute. He then completed his brace after scoring a second in the 37th minute.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois tried to keep Madrid alive, making some crucial saves against Erling Haaland. But it was fruitless as Madrid’s forwards struggled to even create chances.
The third goal came in the 76th minute from a Kevin De Bruyne free kick when Eder Militao accidentally put the ball in his own net. Argentine youngster Julian Alvarez then scored the fourth goal just one minute after coming off the bench.
Why is Carlo Ancelotti close to being sacked?
The 4-0 loss meant a complete humiliation for Real Madrid. A team that boasts a fearsome reputation in the UCL losing in such a way to Manchester City. And worse, the fact that they were utterly dominated in every way. Many fans were visibly upset and angered. And as such, rumors started to circulate of head coach Carlo Ancelotti being sacked.
Real Madrid have had a difficult season as well. They lost the Spanish Super Cup back in January. Los Blancos are also 14 points off champions Barcelona in the La Liga table as well. They have only won the Copa Del Rey to ensure that the season is not trophyless. Real has also played subpar football for a club of their stature, leaving fans angry.
But for a club like Real Madrid, this is not enough. President Florentino Perez will not be satisfied and may already look for an alternative. Ancelotti will also see his contract expire at the end of next season. He has been regularly linked with the managerial job of Brazil’s men’s international team.
In the post game press conference, he was asked about his future at the club. He responded,
“Next season, I will be here to fight to win another Champions League. No one doubts me. I think the president was very clear 15 days ago. What he tells me in private, I’m not going to say here.”
Vinicius Jr defends his manager
Real Madrid’s talisman Vinicius Jr also defended his manager. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Brazilian said,
Vinicius Junior: "Of course Carlo Ancelotti should stay and continue as Real Madrid manager. Of course". ⚪️ #RealMadrid
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 18, 2023
Vini has already signed his contract extension at Real Madrid last year; it will be official soon. pic.twitter.com/2HEz6ztq1T
“Of course Carlo Ancelotti should stay and continue as Real Madrid manager. Of course.”
Vinicius’s rise to stardom coincided with the joining of Ancelotti. When the Italian joined in 2021, the Brazilian instantly became a star and an indisputable starter. He has much to be grateful to the manager and obviously wants him to stay.
The winger who has managed to get his team the crucial win always couldn’t do it yesterday. He was completely shut off thanks to the efforts of City’s right back Kyle Walker.
Vinicius Jr could still see Ancelotti as his manager if he does leave Madrid. The Brazilian is a regular starter for the international team. He could see the Italian manage him from the sidelines for the national team. Vinicius is also close to extending his deal with Real Madrid soon.
Ancelotti is no ordinary manager, however. He is the manager with the most appearances in the UCL(191), a record he surpassed yesterday. He has also won four UCLs in total, winning the competition the previous season.
It remains to be seen whether Madrid finally decides to let go of Ancelotti. And if so he has the Brazil job waiting for him.
