Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti explains Vinicius-Rodrygo positional swap and promises improved Jude Bellingham | OneFootball

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has explained that his decision to play Rodrygo Goes on the left side in recent weeks, with Vinicius inside him, is not a defensive decision, but rather one aimed at exploiting opposition defences.

“We put Rodrygo on the left and Vinicius on the right. Rodrygo scored against City and Vinicius against Bayern. It went very well, we have to adjust things. In general, on the defensive side of things, against Bayern we have to improve,” he said ahead of their clash with Cadiz.

“Placing Rodrygo on the left wing is offensive, not defensive. It was only to try to do more damage to the opposition defence. It is not a definitive decision, it can change. He is effective in all the positions in which I put him. For him, it doesn’t change much.”

Meanwhile Vinicius continues to grow, and showed another of the moves that he has added to his repertoire in midweek.

“He is a player who progresses very quickly due to his attitude, his work and his quality. He is really a very important player for us.”

There has been murmurs of criticism for Jude Bellingham in recent weeks too, and on Tuesday, he was withdrawn with cramp. Ancelotti confirmed there was no injury, and explained that an improved Bellingham was coming.

“Bellingham simply had an intestinal virus last Wednesday that did not give him the chance to recover 100% against Bayern. Now he is very well, he will do very well as he always has.”

After being Real Madrid’s top scorer in the first half of the campaign, Vinicius equalled his 21 goals for the campaign, and comparing their records, it looks likely the Brazilian will surpass them. In recent weeks Ancelotti has told the press that Bellingham is tired, lacking rhythm, dealing with injury, and has now suffered from a virus, all contributing to his drop off of late.