Ancelotti Vows Not to Force Vinícius or Rodrygo Out of Position Ahead of Brazil’s World Cup Prep

When Carlo Ancelotti took over Brazil’s national team in June 2025, few expected the Italian tactician — famed for winning 15 trophies at Real Madrid Club de Fútbol — to become the first European coach in the history of the Confederação Brasileira de Futebol. But here he is, standing at Emirates Stadium in London on November 16, 2025, facing reporters before Brazil’s final World Cup warm-up against Senegal, and making one thing crystal clear: he won’t repeat his old mistakes.

"I Won’t Force Anyone to Play Where They Don’t Want To"

At Madrid, Rodrygo — a natural left-footer — was locked into the right wing for years. He’d have to carry the ball 40 yards, cut inside, and force shots with his weaker foot. His creativity dipped. Stats from Total Football Analysis show only 37% of his key passes came from his preferred side. Meanwhile, Vinícius dominated the left flank, accounting for 62% of Madrid’s attacking chances from that side. The imbalance wasn’t just tactical — it was personal. Rodrygo reportedly felt stifled. Vinícius, though prolific, grew frustrated by the lack of symmetry.

Now, under Xabi Alonso, who replaced Ancelotti at Real Madrid in summer 2025, the roles have flipped. Alonso has started Rodrygo exclusively on the left, unleashing his dribbling and vision. Vinícius? He’s been benched or moved to the right — rarely both on the pitch together. In fact, they’ve yet to start a single La Liga game as a pair under Alonso. That’s the reality Ancelotti now inherits.

Two Wingers, One Team, One Question: Can They Coexist?

But here’s the twist: Ancelotti doesn’t see them as rivals. He sees them as tools.

"I watched the Brazil game against South Korea," he said, referencing the 5-0 win in October 2025. "Rodrygo played on the left with Cunha and Willian. He was brilliant. That’s a possibility for us." He paused, then added: "Vinícius? He can play winger. Or he can play striker. I’ve spoken to him. In the center, you need one movement to score. On the wing? You need seven touches and three dribbles. He gets it."

It’s a radical shift. Neymar’s chronic injuries have left a void up top. With Richarlison inconsistent and Antony struggling for form, Ancelotti is considering Vinícius as a false nine — not as a permanent fix, but as a weapon. A dynamic, high-pressing forward who drops deep, pulls defenders out, and then explodes into space. He’s got the pace. The touch. The intelligence. And, crucially, the willingness to adapt.

"It wasn’t about tactics with Vinícius," Ancelotti told Fox Sports. "It was personal. He needed to feel trusted. I didn’t give him that enough. I’m not making the same mistake here."

Why This Matters for Brazil’s World Cup Chances

Brazil’s 2026 World Cup campaign hinges on fluidity. They can’t afford to lock their best attackers into rigid roles. The team’s attacking depth — with Vinícius (5 goals, 3 assists in 16 games this season), Rodrygo (7 goals, 4 assists), Matheus Cunha, and Willian — is among the best in the world. But if Ancelotti forces one to play out of position, he risks breaking their rhythm.

He’s already signaled flexibility. Against South Korea, the front four rotated freely. Vinícius drifted inside. Rodrygo cut in from the left. Cunha operated as a second striker. Willian stayed wide. No one was chained to a flank. That’s the model Ancelotti wants to build: a system where roles shift, not players.

"They’ve played together for years," he said. "They know each other’s movements. I don’t need to invent something new. I just need to give them freedom."

Ancelotti’s Legacy: From Control to Trust

At Real Madrid, Ancelotti won trophies with structure. He won with discipline. He won with control. But he also lost players’ trust — Rodrygo, in particular — by refusing to adapt. Now, with Brazil, he’s got a second chance. And he’s choosing humility over hierarchy.

"We lost our defense," he admitted. "Modrić and Kroos left. We had to push Valverde and Camavinga into roles they didn’t want. That’s why things broke down in 2025. I learned. You can’t force a diamond into a square hole."

His praise for Alonso — "I have complete confidence in him" — isn’t just polite. It’s strategic. He knows Alonso fixed what he couldn’t. And now, he’s applying that lesson to Brazil.

"Any mistake at the World Cup could send us home," Ancelotti said, staring at the pitch. "But the biggest mistake? Not trusting your players."

What’s Next?

The friendly against Senegal on November 16, 2025, will be the first true test. Will both wingers start? Will Vinícius be deployed centrally? Will Rodrygo be given the left wing he craves? The answer will tell us more about Ancelotti’s philosophy than any press conference.

One thing’s certain: Brazil’s attack won’t be predictable. And that’s exactly how Ancelotti wants it.