Davide Ancelotti explains how to benefit from Mbappé and Vinícius

David Ancelotti, coach of French side Lille, spoke about Real Madrid's Brazilian international star Vinícius Júnior, praising his professionalism and confirming that the Brazilian star is loved by his teammates due to his constant commitment and dedication to the team.

Davide spoke about Vinícius Jr.: "What can I say about Viní? He has scored in two UEFA Champions League finals with us. I can only be grateful to him. A player loved by all his teammates is not a coincidence, because he is generous. He doesn't miss any training session, he doesn't hide, he doesn't trick you, he spares no effort, and he doesn't tell you that something hurts him so he doesn't have to train. He is always there for the team, and the players know that, which is why he is very popular."

Davide spoke about Vinícius's impact on the pitch: "When he is in good shape, he is a player capable of making a significant difference. You have to know that you have a player like him because he affects the collective balance. He is a very direct and vertical player, and he has great confidence in his abilities, so he always dribbles and attacks. You need to have a structure behind him that allows you to play this way. Otherwise, the game starts to lose control. Because Vinícius always goes, and he keeps going."

Regarding how to deal with having Vinícius alongside Kylian Mbappé, Davide said: "You have to take advantage of the fact that you have a very vertical team, and know that this will give you a lot, and be ready for what it may take away from you. Real Madrid has always had those players who do not give you a lot of control. The important thing is that the team does not split. This has always been the challenge."

David touched on the incident that brought Vinícius and coach Xabi Alonso together during last season's clásico: "I felt sorry for Xabi because I have a good relationship with him. What happened is not right. Vini is the first person who knows he made a mistake, because this should not happen out of respect for the coach, the club, your teammates, and the fans. But that is in the past now."

When asked if the incident gave the impression that Real Madrid players have become the dominant voices in the dressing room, Davide replied: "If that were the case, there would be no need for a coach. That does not align with reality."

"The players of Real Madrid are very professional. We have never faced a bad reaction from anyone. That a player does not want to leave the pitch? That is normal. What Vinícius did, Kroos has done a thousand times, Modrić has done it in his way, and Casemiro does it too."

Davide concluded his statements by emphasizing that this does not mean that the players impose their decisions within the team, stating: "But this does not mean that the players decide. The coach is the one who has the say inside the Real Madrid dressing room."