Ancelotti tired of Vinicius speculation
Carlo Ancelotti says he is tired of answering questions about Vinicius Junior's Real Madrid future and wants to focus on the Brazilian's performances instead.
Vinicius is close to signing a new contract with Madrid according to reports earlier this week, but he has also been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.
The forward's current contract runs until 2027, and he has proven a vital part of Ancelotti's team once again in 2024-2025.
He has scored eight goals in LaLiga this term, with only Kylian Mbappe (16) netting more, while he has also contributed five assists. Vinicius's 34 chances created are also second-best among his team-mates – Rodyrgo has 43 – with nine of those counted as big chances.
Ahead of a trip to Osasuna in LaLiga this weekend, the main focus of Ancelotti's press conference was once again on whether Vinicius would make a switch to the Saudi Pro League.
"So many questions. Am I tired of this topic? Yes. Am I worried? No. Do I see him happy? Yes," Ancelotti said.
"We are happy with him, there is nothing more to add than what I have added a week or two weeks ago. We don't talk about this topic here, he doesn't talk about it either.
"I see him as the same old Vinicius, with a lot of desire to do things right. He has done it very well in the last game."
That last game was a 3-2 away win over Manchester City in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League play-off to reach the Round of 16, where Vinicius was player of the match.
Vinicius had been the target of a banner showing City midfielder Rodri with the Ballon d'Or trophy with the caption, "Stop crying your heart out" in reference to the 24-year-old saying he believed he should have won the award.
"I see him very motivated, especially because of what he has done in the game against City, where he had a lot of pressure and he has endured this pressure very well, making a difference in the game," Ancelotti added.
"Whether he has received an offer or not, I can tell you what I see here, a happy player who wants to do things well and make history with this club."
Madrid is currently top of the LaLiga standings, but Atletico Madrid is only one point behind, with Barcelona a further point back.
Los Blancos have dropped points in their past two league games, drawing one and losing one, and has not failed to win three or more games in a row in a single campaign since November 2020 under Zinedine Zidane.
However, Osasuna could prove the perfect opponent for Madrid, which has not lost any of its past nine away games against them in LaLiga. It has also won each of its past four league games against this opponent.
Ancelotti wants to see his side continue the form it showed against City.
"We are well motivated and it's an opportunity to keep the lead, which is our goal," the Italian said.
"It's going to be a difficult game, obviously, but we did well in the last game and I think we have to confirm it.
"It's a game where we have to repeat all the good things we have done in the game against City."
