Former Real Madrid star issues warning to Ancelotti, Vinicius – ‘Made the fans a bit angry’ | OneFootball

Pedja Mijatovic, former Real Madrid star and sporting director, voiced concern on El Larguero (h/t Mundo Deportivo) about the club’s upcoming Champions League clash with Arsenal — and about the futures of both Carlo Ancelotti and Vinicius Jr.

Following the defeat to Valencia in La Liga last Saturday, both Ancelotti and Vinicius find themselves under intense pressure, with fans at the Santiago Bernabeu directing boos and whistles at them and the team.

Mijatovic’s warning to Ancelotti

The Italian manager has made some questionable decisions which have invited pressure on him. And heading into tonight’s clash against Arsenal, Mijatovic admitted that he has concerns about Ancelotti and the Real Madrid team.

“The match against Arsenal worries me for a simple reason. Arsenal is a lighter version of Manchester City in their best times, but it’s a team that plays well. It’s a team that has nothing to lose and a lot to gain,” he said.

Mijatovic cast doubt on the coach’s apparent calm amidst all the pressure and criticism, saying:

“I don’t see Carlo Ancelotti so calm, because if he were, we wouldn’t be talking about his possible departure or continuity having a year left on his contract.”

Mijatovic is concerned about Real Madrid’s situation. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)

Continuing, he added: “At Real Madrid, no coach, regardless of the results they’ve achieved, can ever be calm. Only when they’re presented and when they win a title.

“The pressure at Madrid keeps coaches on alert. You can never relax. And that’s not a bad thing. Florentino Perez does very well to keep the coaches under this pressure. And the players too.”

Mijatovic’s message to Vinicius

On Vinicius, Mijatovic acknowledged his impact, but also flagged growing friction due to his actions on the field, saying:

“The Madridistas who don’t want Vinicius to leave are a little worried and a bit angry. He’s a player who has succeeded and stood out in important matches. But he also has a character with unexpected reactions that has made the fans a bit angry.”

He then added a blunt reminder: “Vinicius is a player with pride, but Real Madrid always gives much more to the players than what they give to the club.

“Vinicius has to know that Madrid is above all players and has to calm down a little. The Bernabeu has booed all of humanity, including me.”