Vinicius Junior Praises Ancelotti's Impact on Brazil

Vinicius Junior, the Real Madrid forward and Brazil international, has praised new national team coach Carlo Ancelotti for instilling confidence and shaping a clear playing identity as the Selecao prepare for the 2026 World Cup. Speaking ahead of upcoming friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia in London this week, Junior emphasized the team's evolution under the Italian's guidance since he took charge in May following his departure from Real Madrid.

Ancelotti, who coached Junior for four seasons at the Spanish club, has overseen six matches for Brazil, securing qualification for the World Cup with three wins, one draw and two losses. The team recently defeated South Korea 5-0 in a friendly before losing 3-2 to Japan. Junior, 25, highlighted Ancelotti's ability to position players effectively and foster a winning mindset. "With Ancelotti, we're evolving and building a clear playing identity," Junior told Brazil's football confederation media. "He always says his dream is to make the Brazilian people happy, to bring back the joyful football that defines us, and to win the World Cup. He gives us calm and confidence."

Ancelotti has experimented with Junior's role, deploying him as a...