The two stars of Spanish club Real Madrid have expressed their frustration that the Italian coach, Carlo Ancelotti, who is the coach of the Royal Club, has asked them to play in the 2023-2024 season.

First, Brazilian Rodrigo spoke about his dislike of playing in the centre-forward position he is currently being asked to occupy at Real Madrid, then it was Frenchman Eduardo Camavinga’s turn, with the midfielder expressing his displeasure. In spite of his ability in that, the intention was to play at left-back.

“It’s always important to play different roles,” Rodrigo explained during a press conference ahead of his country’s match against Uruguay in South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

He added: “I’ve always made it clear that I have the ability to play on the wings and although I have to do that at the club, I don’t want to play as a spearhead.”

He continued: “Here in the national team, I can go all over the field, which helps me play.”

For his part, Kamavinga is tired of being asked about playing at left-back, and he said during a press conference at his country’s current national team camp: “I hear about it every day. I’m the person who plays for the team and when I’m needed.”

He added: “I didn’t know this position before, but I adapted here with the French national team or with Real Madrid.”

He concluded: “But I don’t particularly like this position. I think everyone knows that, but if I have to play there, I’ll do it, and I won’t necessarily be happy, because I’ll still be. A midfielder.”

Carlo Ancelotti’s famous nature of always trying to get close to players, especially since both have emphasized his joy in adapting to the squad, means these reports are unlikely to cause concern at Real Madrid.

However, Rodrigo better keep his coach happy as Ancelotti is almost certain to become his next Brazil coach at the end of the current season with Real Madrid.

Rodrigo is likely to feature with the Brazilian national team in their World Cup qualifier against Uruguay on Wednesday morning, while Camavinga is preparing for France’s friendly against Scotland on Monday evening.