Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has rejected criticism of Vinicius Junior.

Now in Morocco for the Club World Cup, Ancelotti spoke today ahead of their semifinal against Egypt's Al Ahly.

The Italian was asked about the controversy around Vinicius Jr during defeat at Real Mallorca on Sunday.

"The question I ask is this: Is the problem Vinicius? What does Vinicius have to defend himself against? Here it seems that the problem is Vinicius and the problem is what happens around him, period," said Ancelotti.

"It is a problem of Spanish football and it is a problem that we have to answer. It seems that Vinicius is the culprit and Vinicius is the victim of something that I don't understand."

On Al Ahly, he added: “It is a team that has a great history, one of the most important in world football. It has a lot of experience in the Club World Cup and skilled players. It is going to be an even and competitive opponent.

"They have the same desire as us to win the title. We have a lot of respect for them."