Ancelotti says Vinicius Jr will win Balon d’Or but Madrid won’t change without Mbappé

Carlo Ancelotti is convinced that Vinicius Junior will win the Ballon d’Or next month and insists he won’t change Real Madrid’s tactics without the injured Kylian Mbappé.

Ancelotti’s Real Madrid meet city rivals Atletico on Sunday. They’ll be without the injured Mbappé, who is expected to remain out of action for three weeks and will return in time for a Champions League fixture against Milan in November.

“Without Mbappé, something changes, but not much. It’s a pity he’s unavailable, but we can replace him well,” Ancelotti said at a press conference as quoted by AS.

Ancelotti says Vinicius Jr will win Balon d’Or, but Madrid won’t change without Mbappé

“With the same players, a 4-3-3 can become a 4-4-2. If we have three strikers, Vini or Rodrygo can play as wingers. What I expect from the team is solidity and commitment.”

Brazilian star Vinicius Jr will start tomorrow, and Ancelotti is convinced that the talented winger will win the Ballon d’Or this year.

“I think so because of how efficient he was in the Champions League, scoring in the semis and the Final,” said the Italian tactician.

“I think he’ll win. If he doesn’t, he will surely be among the top players.”

Serie A stars Lautaro Martinez, Hakan Calhanoglu, and Ademola Lookman have also been included in the 2024 Ballon d’Or 30-man shortlist.

Ancelotti and Atalanta‘s Gian Piero Gasperini are among the Coach of The Year Award candidates.