Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti Downplays Reports of a Rift With Rodrygo

• Carlo Ancelotti explained why he spoke to Rodrygo after the player was substituted against Villarreal
• Rodrygo was visibly unhappy after he was substituted in the 57th minute during the Copa del Rey clash
• Real Madrid had to come from two goals down to overcome Villarreal 3-2 in the Copa del Rey

Carlo Ancelotti has downplayed any rift with Brazilian attacker Rodrygo.

Many believed that the Italian manager was upset with the youngster after he was spotted giving him a talking to, during their Copa del Rey clash against Villarreal.

Madrid came from behind to beat The Yellow Submarine and progress in the tournament. As noted by Marca, Villarreal took a 2-0 lead into the halftime break, but Madrid rallied to win the game 3-2.

The talking point came in the 56th minute when Rodrygo was replaced with Marco Asensio. The Brazilian did not look happy, and Ancelotti was then seen talking to the player on the bench, leading many to believe that there was trouble in paradise.

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As noted by The Real Champs, Ancelotti downplayed the interaction.

“I told him not to forget to greet me when he leaves.”

Fans will be relieved to know that one of their highly rated players and the manager have not had a falling out.

Madrid has a busy fixture schedule coming up, as they participate in the FIFA Club World Cup as well and will need all their players primed and ready to go.

Los Blancos play Athletic Club Bilbao on January 22 before taking on Real Sociedad on January 29. They then face Valencia on February 2 and Mallorca on February 5.

Their first Club World Cup game is on February 8 before returning to La Liga action four days later with a game against Elche.

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Ancelotti fumes at media

Carlo Ancelotti has blamed too many personal errors from his team as the reason why Real Madrid lost the Spanish Super Cup final to Barcelona.

Los Blancos were battered 3-1 by Barcelona in the final on Sunday night, with the Catalans claiming their first trophy under manager Xavi Hernandes.

Ancelotti has now refuted the claims that Real Madrid were humiliated by their arch-rivals, stating that it was just another game lost, Sports Brief reported.