Vinicius Junior: Carlo Ancelotti responds to rumours of Real Madrid rift | OneFootball

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has once again rushed to the defence of Vinicius Junior amid rumours of a widening rift in the club's dressing room.

The Brazilian superstar boasts a combined 29 goals and assists across 38 matches this season, yet has struggled with injury and disciplinary issues. Vinicius has collected 14 yellow cards already this term (and a straight red) - although it is worth pointing out that he is also the second-most fouled player in La Liga.

As uncertainty looms over the winger's long-term future - he is in the midst of high-profile contract negotiations - reports have emerged claiming that the rest of the Real Madrid squad have lost patience in their teammate. One unnamed player told SPORT this week: "We're not going to waste another second on him."

The Spanish publication goes on to claim that Vinicius has "lost the respect of the dressing room due to his arrogant and defiant behaviour toward opponents and teammates".

Vinicius Junior has been the subject of increased scrutiny this season / Diego Souto/GettyImages

Ancelotti, as ever, launched into a fierce rebuttal of any slander against his star player. "For me, Vinicius is undisputed," the Italian coach huffed this week. "He may have had better or worse moments. I don't dispute that. He's been so important for this club that it's beyond dispute."

Tensions have peaked in the same week that Real Madrid teetered on the brink of a premature Champions League exit. Vinicius struggled to find his best form during Wednesday's last-16 second leg against Atletico Madrid and skied a second-half spot-kick which would have sent Real through the quarter-finals.

Ancelotti substituted the Brazilian in extra time before the ensuing penalty shootout which Real Madrid won in controversial circumstances. As he made his way to the bench, Vinicius was spotted signally to Atletico fans that Real had won 15 Champions League titles compared to their zero.

While many pundits are often quick to condemn Vinicius' actions, the provocation which he receives routinely gets overlooked. Some extreme elements of Atletico Madrid's fanbase have been frequently guilty of going to obscene lengths to antagonise Real's No 7, infamously hanging an effigy of Vinicius from a bridge near the club's training ground.

Vinicius has publicly stated his desire to remain at Real Madrid but continues to be the subject of world-record bids from Saudi Pro League clubs. It remains to be seen whether club president Florentino Perez shares the same opinion as Madrid's players or their manager when it comes to the always complicated case of Vinicius Junior.