Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti reveals Vinícius “anger” in Almería post-match press conference

Real Madrid recorded their second consecutive win of the 2023-24 season, with a 3-1 triumph over Almería moving them to the top of the LaLiga standings on Saturday. Jude Bellingham again stole the show by scoring twice, while Vinícius Júnior secured the points for Carlo Ancelotti’s side with just under 20 minutes to go.

In his post-match press conference, the Italian addressed a “disagreement” he had had with the Brazilian winger, discussed how Bellingham was settling in and his opposition to a LaLiga initiative allowing cameras to film in dressing rooms before matches.

Ancelotti: “Bellingham has adapted very well to the league and us”

Bellingham settling in perfectly: “It’s due to his maturity and personality. It helps that he has been in Germany. He has adapted very well to the league and our style of play. He’s doing very well”.

Chances given up: “Almería surprised us with their first counterattack. Could we have defended it better? Yes, but it was a perfect counterattack and they scored. They have quality. But we kept our heads and were fluid in attack. The fact that our forwards don’t play in set positions, and that Vinícius, Rodrygo and Bellingham interchange, makes our opponents feel uncomfortable”.

Midfield rhombus: “It won’t always be that way. When Lucas (Vázquez) and Camavinga came on, we played with two lines of four and were comfortable sitting in a lower block. Offensively, the rhombus doesn’t allow you to control the flanks as well, but it gives you more options”.

Kepa “could play in the next game”

Goalkeeping situation: “As was the case in Bilbao, Lunin played very well. We have confidence in him, the same as with Kepa. Sooner or later, he will play and it could be the next game”.

Kroos and Modric: “Kroos was very good on the ball. Luka also kept the ball well, he controlled the tempo of the match. They will be just as important although they may play fewer minutes”.

Ancelotti: “Vinícius takes too many risks”

Vinícius’ goals target: “There isn’t one. The forwards are doing well. Their mobility is good for us to when it comes to creating opportunities. Let’s hope they continue in the same vein. There will be games in which we will have fewer opportunities. We’re well covered on the bench with Joselu, a player who has a different profile and is a presence in the box. Vinícius sometimes makes me a bit angry because he takes too many risks, but there’s a good balance because of the quality he has”.

No cameras in the dressing room: “I’d take a pay cut if it meant no cameras in the dressing room”.

The hot weather: “We are used to it, it’s not an advantage or a disadvantage. It’s the same for both teams. We were both tired. It was an intense match, back and forth. Almería played a very well”.