English Premier League
Ancelotti visits Real Madrid training to check on Brazil trio ahead of international break
Carlo Ancelotti visited Real Madrid’s training ground at Valdebebas on Thursday as the club prepared for Friday’s La Liga fixture against Real Betis, with the Brazil head coach taking the opportunity to check personally on Endrick, Rodrygo and Eder Militao.
According to Marca, Ancelotti greeted the Real Madrid squad before training began and paid particular attention to the three Brazil internationals. Endrick, Rodrygo and Militao were working separately from the main group as they continued their respective recoveries from injury.
The visit was more than a routine appearance by a former Real Madrid manager. All three players are important members of the Brazil squad now coached by Ancelotti, who wanted to assess their condition himself with the next international window only a few weeks away.
Endrick was the only one of the three available to Ancelotti at the last World Cup, when Brazil were eliminated by Norway in the last 16. Rodrygo and Militao were dealing with long-term injuries at the time, and the effects of those setbacks have continued to influence their recovery programmes.
Real Madrid coach Mourinho welcomed Ancelotti on his arrival and accompanied him around the training pitch as he greeted the players.
The connection between Ancelotti and Real Madrid, under Mourinho’s leadership, goes beyond a straightforward club-and-national-team relationship. Two weeks ago, the Portuguese coach referred to Ancelotti when he was asked about Endrick during a news conference, suggesting that the two managers have an especially strong relationship.
Mourinho has also highlighted the friendship between the pair, which is now helping to maintain smooth communication between Real Madrid and the Brazil national team.
Ancelotti’s presence at Valdebebas therefore offered him the chance to speak directly with the club’s medical and coaching staff while also observing the progress of the three players he considers central to Brazil’s plans.
The Italian’s visit came on the eve of Real Madrid’s meeting with Real Betis, as the Spanish club completed its preparations for the La Liga match on Friday.
A social media post from the session showed Ancelotti at Valdebebas attending Real Madrid training, accompanied by the caption: “⚪️👋🏼 Carlo Ancelotti, at Valdebebas today to attend Real Madrid training session.”
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