"He's not a machine", "Rotate more" - Real Madrid fans send emphatic message to Carlo Ancelotti as key player starts UCL clash against RB Leipzig

Real Madrid fans are unimpressed that Vinicius Jr. is starting against RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League, with many feeling he deserves a rest.

The Brazilian forward has been a star performer for Los Blancos this season, netting seven times and providing five assists in his 15 appearances in all competitions so far. The reigning European champions need to beat the German side to guarantee top spot in the group and ensure an easier opponent in the knockout round.

• Vinicius has contributed to 92 G/A since arriving in Madrid (2018).

ONLY 3 players currently at have contributed more than him:

• Benzema (489 G/A since 2009)
• Kroos (111 G/A since 2014)
• Modrić (108 G/A since 2012) https://t.co/BaOrZkjxo1

But Real Madrid supporters are clearly confident enough that Vinicius can be rested for the encounter and they can still get the job done. Carlo Ancelotti has achieved great things with this Galacticos side, winning the league and Champions League last season.

Madrid have also won 14 of their 16 games across this season and look ominous in the Champions League once again. But fans have criticized the Italian previously for not rotating his squad enough. Ahead of the clash in Germany, supporters took to Twitter to vent their frustrations at seeing another strong lineup:

📋✅ Our starting 𝗫𝗜 🆚 @RBLeipzig_EN!
#UCL https://t.co/Qh2aKOtpK6

@realmadriden @RBLeipzig_EN Why no hazard again hell Ancelloti just lucky doesnt no how to rotate team

@realmadriden @RBLeipzig_EN Coach: Rest Militao and Vini, give Vallejo and Hazard a chance. Shame poor souls 😫😫😭😭😭

@MadridXtra This should've been the game when Vinicius get's some rest. I don't know Ancelotti obsession of starting him every single game.

@MadridXtra Rotate more, Kroos and Vini don’t need to play

@MadridXtra We need to let Vini rest man

@MadridXtra vini needs to rest fgs he’s not a machine

Carlo Ancelotti dismisses concerns of Real Madrid players picking up injuries before FIFA World Cup

Several of European football's biggest stars, including former Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, have picked up knocks less than a month before the World Cup. This has caused many to question whether key players should be rested, but Ancelotti believes the problem is part of the game.

During his pre-match press conference, Ancelotti was asked about injuries before the Qatar tournament, to which he bullishly replied (as per MARCA):

"Injuries exist in the world of football. If you don't want to get injured, stay on the sofa. You can get injured in training, in a collision with a teammate.

"For now, everyone wants to train. If someone tells me they're afraid, then they should stay at home, watching a TV series or a movie, there are plenty of them."

The legendary Italian did concede though that the current schedule is unsustainable, as he explained:

"It's a very intense period of the season, with too many games, in my opinion. We're holding up well, although we have a few absentees. The World Cup comes at the right time.

"I don't believe players are thinking about the World Cup, although they want to get to the World Cup in a healthy way. You get to the World Cup well if you have continuity."

Antonio Rudiger says Vinicius is like a little brother to him 🥺❤️ https://t.co/LcyLPyp00u