Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has expressed unwavering faith in Carlo Ancelotti's methods ahead of Brazil's World Cup clash with Japan on Monday, describing the veteran coach as a father figure whose decisions are always well considered.
Ancelotti's Decisive Impact at Real Madrid
Rodrygo recalled the 2022 Champions League semi-final second leg against Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabéu, where Ancelotti instructed him to enter the pitch and decide the match. Trailing 1-0 on the night and 5-3 on aggregate, Rodrygo scored in the 90th minute and again in stoppage time to force extra time, setting up Real Madrid's eventual triumph over Liverpool in the final. 'I bring up this moment to highlight how important coaches are to a team’s journey and how decisive they are in a player’s career, doing work that often goes unseen by the public,' Rodrygo wrote.
Behind-the-Scenes Wisdom
The Brazilian forward emphasised that Ancelotti's true genius lies in his behind-the-scenes management. 'For the press and anyone outside the dressing room, it is hard to predict what he will do. It is natural for them to feel a bit lost trying to understand his mindset, as they might expect him to choose one path and he ends up taking another. But make no mistake: his choices are always well considered, driven by a phenomenal coherence that stems from both the heart and mind of someone with deep tactical knowledge and a knack for managing group dynamics.'
Rodrygo expressed confidence that Brazilian fans will soon appreciate Ancelotti's work: 'As Monday’s game with Japan approaches, I believe all my fellow Brazilians, especially those who have only recently been introduced to his ideas, will increasingly show their support for the Mister’s work.'
Early Influences and Mentors
Rodrygo also credited his first coach, Eric Goes, who spotted his talent when he was six years old playing street football in Osasco. 'He called me over, took my photo, and registered me for the municipal tournament as a player for the neighbourhood team, even though I was half the age of the other boys. That was when I realised my father was right: to thrive, I would have to face the biggest players and beat the best.'
At Santos, coach Jair Ventura promoted Rodrygo to the first team in 2017 after learning of his ambition to play for Real Madrid. 'Ventura says his only role was to launch my professional career. He uses the word “only” without realising that this “only” can mean everything.'
National Team and Beyond
Rodrygo recalled that during the 2022 World Cup buildup, then-Brazil coach Tite called Ventura to discuss another player, and Ventura recommended Rodrygo, describing his playing style and strengths. 'Some time later, I received my first call-up to the senior national team and remained part of Tite’s squad throughout the cycle, culminating in my selection for my first World Cup in Qatar.'
He also praised Luiz Felipe Scolari, whom he met backstage at a Brazilian TV show, understanding why the 2002 World Cup-winning squad is called the 'Scolari Family'. 'Felipão views football as a setting for genuine connections and treats players, first and foremost, as human beings, with all their virtues, flaws, potential, capacity for learning and unpredictable behaviours.'
Rodrygo concluded by expressing hope to work with José Mourinho at Real Madrid, calling him 'a manager who has everything it takes to lead us back to winning trophies.'
