Xabi Alonso’s arrival at Real Madrid saw the team get off to a special start, although the steam now appears to be fizzling out.
One stark change from the previous manager’s tenure, however, is seen in terms of the prominence of the Brazilians in the team.
While Eder Militao has indeed made himself a mainstay, Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo have not been involved to the extent they would have liked to.
Such is their situation, in fact, that both their futures at the club remain under doubt with the latter looking to leave as early as January.
Considering how Carlo Ancelotti trusted them as key pillars just months ago and is now even the manager of the Brazilian national team, it is a serious change in prominence.
Casemiro talks Ancelotti, Vinicius and more
Real Madrid legend Casemiro opened up on several topics related to his national team in a revenge interview with AS, and he touched upon details of his former Real Madrid teammates and compatriots during the same interaction.
Speaking on Carlo Ancelotti, who is now the manager of the Selecao, the defensive midfielder only had words of praise and explained how he was responsible for the rise of Vinicius Jr.
“I have always gotten along very well with him. When he arrived at Real Madrid for the second time, he was the one who transformed Vini, right?” he began.
“There were certain doubts about Vini, and he [Ancelotti] was the one who transformed him and Militao. He has always gotten along very well with Brazilians,” he added.
Casemiro feels Vinicius is concerned about being Brazil’s captain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Elaborating on how Ancelotti was an exceptional manager and an inspirational figure to be around, Casemiro said,
“It’s hard to find someone who doesn’t get along with him.
“As we say in the football world, he is a guy who likes to joke, create a fun atmosphere. But when he has to demand, he demands firmly.”
Finally, the veteran was asked about the future of the Brazilian national team and who the captaincy could be passed on to from the current crop.
While he did name his candidates, Casemiro made it clear that Vinicius and Rodrygo would not make great captains.
“I think it’s natural. Every player goes where they want to go [to pass the baton], right?
“Without downplaying the players’ characteristics, but for example: if you ask me who I would pass the baton to, Marquinhos is a very experienced player and he’s younger than me.”
“There’s Alisson, Ederson, and Bruno Guimaraes. For example, I wouldn’t pass it to Vinícius Jr., because he’s not concerned about that. It’s not in his nature.
“Nor is it in Rodrygo’s,” he concluded.