Vinicius admits World Cup defeat is still affecting him as Real Madrid star seeks confidence: ‘Comeback is never easy’

Vinicius admits World Cup defeat is still affecting him as Real Madrid star seeks confidence: ‘Comeback is never easy’ Vinicius Jr. has admitted he is going through a difficult period but says his teammates continue to give him the support he needs to rediscover his confidence. The Real Madrid forward has managed just one goal for his club this season, while his latest strike came for Brazil in their 4-2 friendly victory over Australia.  Even then, the penalty Vinicius converted was only available to him because regular taker Raphinha was not on the pitch. Vinicius’ comments after the match offered an insight into his current mindset, with the Brazilian acknowledging that returning to his best level has not been easy. Vinicius receives Brazil teammates’ support Brazil’s penalty hierarchy does not place Vinicius ahead of Bruno Guimaraes when Raphinha is unavailable.  The Arsenal midfielder is normally next in line, meaning Vinicius was not initially expected to take the spot-kick against Australia. Vinicius Jr. admits he is lacking confidence. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images) That changed when Guimaraes offered the responsibility to his international teammate. Vinicius explained that the Arsenal midfielder understood exactly what he needed at this stage of the season. “Bruno Guimaraes is our penalty taker when Raphinha isn’t playing, and I thought he’d want to take it, but he knows that I need a bit of confidence right now, in this moment,” said Vinicius, as per Fabrizio Romano . The moment allowed the Real Madrid attacker to find the net and, perhaps more importantly, give himself a small confidence boost after a difficult start to the campaign. His teammates have clearly recognised the situation and are trying to help him through it rather than placing additional pressure on the forward. Vinicius admits World Cup defeat still hurts Vinicius went on to explain why confidence has been difficult to regain, pointing towards the emotional impact of Brazil’s World Cup disappointment. Vinicius scored in Brazil’s 4-2 win over Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images) “My teammates know I need some confidence now. “Losing a World Cup is hard and difficult to accept, and the comeback is never easy,” he added. Vinicius’ club performances have not yet reached the standards he has previously set, but the forward continues to have backing from Madrid and from Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti . That support could prove important as Vinicius looks to build momentum rather than judge himself solely on his current statistics. Meanwhile, there was at least one positive takeaway from Brazil’s victory. Vinicius found the net from the penalty spot, giving him a goal to take into the next stage of the international break. While the circumstances surrounding the penalty were unusual, the goal still gives the Real Madrid forward an opportunity to build confidence.