Ancelotti's Role In Mentally Healing Rodrygo At Real Madrid

Rodrygo has returned to his best performance thanks to the help of Carlo Ancelotti (Instagram/@rodrygogoes).

JAKARTA - Real Madrid striker Rodrygo thanked Brazil's National Team Manager (Timnas), Carlo Ancelotti, for his assistance in overcoming difficult times in his life.

The 24-year-old admitted that he had a difficult time at the end of last season when Ancelotti was still coaching Real Madrid and had not taken control of Brazil.

"To be honest, I've had very difficult times personally. I haven't spoken to anyone for a long time."

"No one knows what I'm going through. It was a very difficult time. I'm not healthy, both physically and mentally. It was very draining of my energy."

"Ancelotti's coach helped me get through all that. He sees every day that I'm not healthy, that I'm not fit to play, that I can't help the team."

"He knew he had to recover my physical condition before recovering from the player's condition. The most important thing is to be in good mental condition."

"It was a very difficult time in my life, but now I've overcome everything, I'm fine."

"Whenever I can, I thank Carlo (Ancelotti), his son, Davide, and the coaching staff (Real Madrid)."

"Everyone helped me and of course my family. Now I just feel joy, I am happy, and very motivated to have a great season," Rodrygo told Diario Sport.

Rodrygo, who has not played for Brazil since March 25, 2025, has not been included in Ancelotti's two squad elections.

However, he is now included in the upcoming international friendly match against South Korea and Japan.

"It feels like forever away from the national team. It's difficult, I'm going through a lot. I'm happy to be able to think and clear my mind."

"I feel good and ready to give my best, the best version of myself. I have certainly developed in every aspect of my life."

"I became a different person because of the time I went through. The important thing is I am fine, I have recovered, I thank those who have helped me so far."

"I feel like a new person, a better person, a better player. The important thing is that I am happy, I am mentally healthy," said Rodrygo.

No wonder, currently Rodrygo is happy to be working again with Ancelotti.

"It's great to be back with Ancelotti, who has helped me so much and improved my career."

"In his hands, I have developed. Nice to meet him again, saying how great it is to be here, telling him that it's always been like this."

"That's why I'm so happy to come here. It did take a long time, but now I'm fine and I hope to help as well as possible."

"Of course, there is a good relationship with Ancelotti, but he insists that no player is guaranteed his place."

"You have to play and perform well at the club to stay in the Brazil National Team and reach the World Cup (2026)," said Rodrygo again.

Under Ancelotti's successor, Xabi Alonso, Rodrygo has played in eight of Real Madrid's 10 games this season.

He was also returned by Alonso to fill the left striker post - his favorite position - to replace Vinicius Junior.

The player also impressed so that it allowed Alonso to have depth in the left striker sector in the midst of Real Madrid's busy schedule.

"It is true that I am a completely different person now. I appear with a different mindset, different enthusiasm, and greater maturity."

"I feel amazing. I'm sure this season will be better for everyone, for the team, and for me," he said.

Los Blancos are two points ahead of rival Barcelona at the top of La Liga and have won two Champions League opener games this season.

Meanwhile, with Brazil, Rodrygo is now preparing to face two friendly agendas in Asia. The Samba team is scheduled to face South Korea on Friday, October 10, 2025, evening WIB, before being hosted by Japan on October 14, 2025, afternoon WIB.