Carlo Ancelotti has admitted Rodrygo could become jealous of superstar team-mates Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr at Real Madrid.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Rodrygo upset by Ballon d'Or snubReal Madrid team-mates taking centre stageAncelotti admits situation could become problematicWHAT HAPPENED?
Rodrygo has cut a frustrated figure of late. The Brazilian has expressed his disappointment at being left off the shortlist for the 2024 Ballon d'Or award despite winning La Liga and the Champions League last season. To make matters worse, he's had to watch team-mates Mbappe, Bellingham and Vinicius being named on the shortlist, with his fellow Brazilian the current favourite to lift the prestigious Golden Ball trophy.
Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Rodrygo has also called for more recognition for his efforts after talk of a new 'BMV' frontline at Madrid. The Brazilian said he wants to "add the R of Rodrygo" in a post on social media which was subsequently deleted. Ancelotti has been asked about Rodrygo and says there is the possibility that the forward could become jealous of his attacking team-mates and the superstar status that Mbappe, Vinicius and Bellingham currently enjoy.
WHAT ANCELOTTI SAID
He told reporters: "Of course, if it happens [jealousy], I'll detect it, but right now I don't think so. There's a very good and healthy atmosphere in the dressing room. There are players who will have more responsibility, like Vinicius, Rodrygo, the youngsters, who are not so young anymore.
"For him, it is a motivation to compare himself with these players [Vinicius, Mbappé, Bellingham]. For me, he is as important as the others. He doesn't tell me that he has a problem, he has never talked to me about this.
"He was not valued in the Ballon d'Or selection. He deserved to be in the top 30 without a doubt. I understand that he is upset. Someone has forgotten what he did in the Champions League, scoring against City and being important. It is a virtue that he is a wild card, that he can play in many positions and always do well."
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID
Real Madrid return to La Liga action on Saturday against Real Sociedad. Bellingham is a doubt for the match due to injury, meaning Vinicius, Rodrygo and Arda Guler are expected to support Mbappe in attack.