Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has insisted he does not think Vinicius Junior should have been sent off for pushing Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski in the face on Friday evening. Los Blancos could be without their Brazilian star for a while, depending on the sanction imposed on him.
Ancelotti stated after the win in Valencia that they would appeal Vinicius' red card as he felt the decision to send him off was harsh, which he stuck to on Sunday before their Copa del Rey draw with Deportiva Minera.
“We are still convinced that it was not red, but yellow. We hope he is not suspended for many games.”
He was also asked how difficult it is to be Vinicius, given the pressure on him and the hostile atmosphere he faces.
“I'm not in his shoes, but it can't be easy to take everything that happens, the insults… But he's trying to get better, I think he's gotten better. He is obviously sad about the red, he apologized, but we have to look ahead.”
The anger of the Valencia fans was sparked again during the match by Vinicius, who held up a two to the crowd to indicate that their team could be relegated to Segunda. Ancelotti was asked for his opinion on those gestures and what advice he could give the Brazilian to avoid getting into such antics, but the Italian dodged the question.
“What happens in the stadiums… I think he has improved his attitude a lot. You can keep improving, but no one is perfect. He has improved so much that he is the best player in the world,” Ancelotti told reporters.
Vinicius could be banned for two to four matches, depending on how harshly the Competition Committee judges his actions and whether Los Blancos appeals. Because the committee does not meet until Tuesday, he will be available for Real Madrid's Copa match on Monday evening, but risks missing the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, with Athletic Club as opponents on Thursday.
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