Rodrygo Goes has shouldered the blame for his early struggles this season, thanking Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti for continuing to show faith in him.
The Brazilian international struggled for form in the first few months of the 2023/24 season, contributing just three goals in his first 15 appearances. That poor run was seemingly due to Rodrygo’s struggles to adjust to his new role as a central striker – a position he openly admitted to not enjoying playing.
Rodrygo has looked back to his best in recent games however, bagging three goals and three assists in the final two games before the November international break.
Speaking to Cadena Cope about his turnaround in fortunes, the 22-year-old revealed that the confidence instilled in him by manager Ancelotti played a huge part in his recent showings.
“I was overwhelmed because I tried in every way but it didn’t work. Now everything is going well for me and I am back. I think it was my fault,” Rodrygo said.
“It was difficult for me to play in the new position, as a nine, but now the coach gives me more freedom to go to the wings and so I have played better in the last few games. If the coach thinks I can play as a nine, I can do it.
“Ancelotti didn’t tell me anything, we talked about one thing and another came out [in the press]. He knows that I don’t like playing as a nine but I do it for the team and for him; I believe in him. He knew what I was saying.
“For me, Ancelotti is very important. He has always helped me when things didn’t work out for me.”
Ancelotti previously revealed his approach to handling players who are lacking confidence in front of goal, saying: “In my career, there’ve been forwards who’ve scored in every game and others who have moments when it’s hard to score.
“All you can do is support them. A player with Rodrygo or Vinicius’ characteristics will score sooner or later. They have extraordinary quality, it’s just a question of time.”
