Ancelotti talks Vinicius, Mbappe, Valverde, Real Madrid – ‘It didn’t surprise me’ | OneFootball

Former Real Madrid manager and current Brazil national team head coach Carlo Ancelotti recently spoke to Radio MARCA (h/t Mundo Deportivo) in an interview, during which he reflected on his departure from the Spanish capital club.

Having enjoyed a successful second stint with Los Blancos, Ancelotti stepped down from his post in 2025, following a disappointing 2024/25 campaign where they failed to win any major trophy despite the addition of Kylian Mbappe.

Discussing what went wrong for him and the team during his final season in charge, Ancelotti explained:

“Football changes with very little, and with that, the chemistry changes. It’s not just about the atmosphere, it’s not just about swapping Kroos for Mbappe. That same year, Nacho left, Carvajal got injured, and Modric played less.

“The old generation that had created a fantastic atmosphere in the dressing room was gone, and a new generation of players had to come in, bringing character, personality, and setting an example. That doesn’t happen overnight; it takes time.”

Continuing, he added: “Mbappe’s arrival coincided with two important departures, Kroos and Nacho, creating a different atmosphere.

“Mbappe did fantastically, scoring around 50 goals, but the team struggled to win titles because football is about small details, and when you change something, it doesn’t always work out.”

On deciding to take up the Brazil role upon leaving Real Madrid, Ancelotti stated: “I had no intention of going to another club after Madrid.

“The opportunity with the Brazilian national team came up two years ago and then I renewed with Madrid, but last year we thought it was the right time to leave and now I’m happy.”

Ancelotti is the Brazil national team coach now. (Photo by Lucas Figueiredo/Getty Images)

The Italian legend then revealed that he was still in contact with players from Madrid, as well as club president Florentino Perez, saying:

“Yes, sometimes. After the match against Manchester City, I congratulated the club and the president. I also speak with the players. The other day I spoke with Rodrygo to see how he was doing. I’m in contact with them, yes.”

Discussing the importance of Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr. for the club as well the Brazil national team, Ancelotti remarked:

“Vinicius has never let us down in important matches. I can’t recall a semi-final or quarter-final where Vini has made a mistake.

“Maybe Vinicius got frustrated in Valencia and lost his focus, but he’s never done that in important matches. I’m convinced he’ll have a great World Cup if he’s in the squad.”

Ancelotti also confidently claimed that Real Madrid will go through to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League, having beaten Manchester City 3-0 in the first leg.

“Yes, it’s going to happen. They have to defend well and maintain their balance,” he stated.

On whether Federico Valverde’s match-winning hat-trick against the Cityzens had surprised him, Ancelotti replied:

“It didn’t surprise me, I kept my coaching license for a reason… but the three goals were incredible. I sent him a message.”

On being asked what message he sent to the Uruguayan midfielder, Ancelotti cheekily replied: “I told him, ‘It’s a shame you don’t have a Brazilian passport.'”