Ancelotti Defends Vinícius: "It's Hard to Endure..."
The Italian coach of Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti, reiterated his belief that Vinícius Jr. did not deserve to be sent off during the match against Valencia at Mestalla. He also expressed his support for the Brazilian, highlighting the difficult situations he faces due to the constant insults he receives.
"It's hard. I'm not in his shoes, but it's hard to endure everything he has gone through and is going through; the insults... It's not easy. He is trying to improve and hold on. He is sad about the red card, he apologized, but we have to move forward," he stated at a press conference.
Ancelotti emphasized Vinícius' improved attitude and said that, despite the criticism, he considers the Brazilian "the best player in the world."
"I haven't seen what he did. I see what happens in the stadiums. In recent times, his attitude has improved a lot. Can he improve again? Yes, but no one is perfect. He is doing a lot of work and has improved so much that he is the best player in the world," he added.
Regarding the red card for hitting goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski, the coach reiterated his initial stance.
"We remain convinced that it wasn't a red card, it was a yellow. I stick to this and hope he doesn't get suspended," he said.
Referee César Soto Grado, in the match report, justified Vinícius' expulsion by stating that the Brazilian "deliberately struck an opponent in the head, without the ball in play, and using significant force."
