Carlo Ancelotti has moved swiftly to shield Vinícius Júnior from growing scrutiny, insisting that Real Madrid’s recent slump in form is not the result of any one player’s dip, but rather a collective shortcoming from the entire squad.

The Real Madrid boss made the statement in the aftermath of Los Blancos’ 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg a result that has left the Spanish giants with a mountain to climb in the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.

“Especially in the last few weeks, we've seen a general slump, not just in individual players,” Ancelotti said. “We’ve conceded a lot in recent games, and that’s where we need to put the brakes on. When the top players are not as effective, it’s a sign the whole team needs to do better.”

Vinícius Júnior, who has struggled to make his usual impact in recent outings, has been the subject of criticism from fans and media alike. But Ancelotti made it clear that the Brazilian remains a key part of his plans, and the responsibility for recent results lies with the team as a whole including tactics, structure, and intensity.

Ancelotti also addressed his side’s physical underperformance against Arsenal, highlighting a concerning drop in effort.

“We did less in all aspects total distance covered, number of sprints everything,” he admitted. “They [Arsenal] worked harder, and it showed. That’s something we can fix, and must fix quickly.”

Looking ahead, Ancelotti emphasized the importance of Real Madrid’s next La Liga match against Alavés, describing it as a crucial opportunity to reset the mood and regain confidence ahead of the second leg in Europe.

“It’s fundamental to recover the good feelings,” he said. “This match can help us mentally and physically. The players know what’s at stake.”

Ancelotti also reaffirmed his commitment to the club and confirmed he has one year left on his contract. Despite mounting pressure after a string of lackluster performances, the Italian coach maintained that he feels supported by the Real Madrid hierarchy.

“The club always supports me especially in difficult moments,” he said.

With La Liga and Champions League honors still mathematically within reach, Ancelotti has called on his squad to unite, fight, and take collective accountability as they head into a pivotal phase of the season. The message from the manager is clear: the only way forward is together.