DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Brazilian striker Vinícius Júnior has praised Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti for his World Cup success.
Vinícius Júnior arrived in Qatar not knowing if he would have a chance to start for Brazil, but ahead of Friday’s quarter-final match against Croatia no one is questioning his place in the line-up or his importance to the team.
He said that Ancelotti was one of the people who guided him before the most important football tournament.
“I spoke with Ancelotti and he gave me a lot of advice to help me start for Brazil. He gave me a lot of confidence, ”Vinícius Júnior, 22, said Wednesday. “He was always hard on me when he needed to be. He is like a father to me.”
Vinícius Júnior was often questioned at Madrid while Zinedine Zidane was manager, but he quickly established himself as a starter with Ancelotti in charge. The Brazilian striker said that the Italian coach always sends him messages.
“He is good not only in the technical aspects of the game, but also in how he treats his players,” said Vinícius Júnior. “I have been improving a lot and Ancelotti has helped me with that. He and (Brazilian coach) Tite are very similar and talk to each other a lot”.
Vinícius Júnior, who has a goal and two assists in the three World Cup games, said he also learned from Madrid midfielder Luka Modric, who will be one of his opponents on Friday at the Ciudad Educación Stadium.
Vinícius Júnior said that the pass he gave for Lucas Paquetá’s goal in the round of 16 against South Korea, with the outside of his foot, was something he learned from Modric at Madrid.
“He is always teaching me things, on and off the pitch,” said Vinícius Júnior. “He helps me every day, making sure he’s always improving. He is a reference for me, playing at a high level at 37 years old, that is something rare. I’m happy to play against him and let the best team win.”
Within the Brazilian team, Vinícius Júnior said that he also receives advice from Neymar.
“He told me that the World Cup is different from anything else,” said Vinícius Júnior. “He told me that, and I always remember it. And when the national anthem played, I realized what it all meant.”
Vinícius Júnior was among the Brazilian players criticized for their dance celebrations at the World Cup. He had already been targeted for that while he was at Madrid. But he promised even more dancing if Brazil continues to triumph in Qatar.
“The goal is the most important moment in football, not just for the one who scores it but for the whole country,” he said. “We still have many celebrations left and hopefully we can continue scoring and dancing like this until the final.”
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