‘They only prioritise money’ – Carlo Ancelotti complains of rest and confirms Vinicius Junior fitness

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has complained about the lack of rest that his side will get before they face Villarreal this weekend, off the back of an exhausting penalty shootout win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. His side travel to the Yellow Submarine on Saturday at 18:30 CEST.

The alarm bells began ringing for Real Madrid fans when Vinicius Junior missed training on Friday, instead doing work in the gym. However Ancelotti explained that he was simply being given extra rest.

“We’ve given him an extra day of rest because he was still very tired. Tomorrow he’ll be at full strength, available. He has no problems at all, just a little tired.”

He was asked if he understood the decision to schedule the game at that time, and about the state of the Real Madrid team.

“I don’t understand it, but we can’t do anything. I don’t understand it. The minimum is 72 hours. I don’t understand it… but that’s the way it is.”

“[They are] Recovering, because it’s been a short time. It’ll obviously be an aspect to keep in mind for tomorrow. We have to play a smart game…”

The Italian did admit that he would be placing extra emphasis on their focus and their motivation for the game after such a high during the week.

“Obviously, we have to motivate the team more for tomorrow than in a Champions League knockout match. Because in a knockout match, it comes naturally.”

"We celebrated it. It's very good news. He deserved it for his work and the seriousness he has shown. He deserves it all."