Carlo Ancelotti, the new Brazil coach, no longer manages Real Madrid, but the club still perceives the benefits of his style.
The Italian coach, who left his mark at Chamartín, has made a gesture that hasn't gone unnoticed and directly affects the club's great star, Vinícius Júnior.
The Brazilian striker has become one of the most decisive footballers in the squad. He is also the one most at risk of suffering unnecessary wear and tear due to the schedule and international commitments.
Ancelotti knows this because he has experienced it, which is why he wanted to avoid a scenario that could've ended up as a serious problem for the player and for Real Madrid.
The nightmare of traveling with Brazil
Every time Vinícius gets drafted by the Brazilian national team, all the alarms go off at Real Madrid. The long transoceanic flights, combined with matches in extreme conditions, end up affecting his performance when he returns to Spain.
Ancelotti knows that situation perfectly because he suffered it during his years on the club's bench. Instead of looking the other way, the current Brazil coach has done his part to keep history from repeating itself.
This time, he has decided to release Vinícius from having to answer Brazil's call. This way, he spares him an exhausting trip and a match scheduled in Bolivia at more than 13,123 ft. (4,000 meters) above sea level.
A rest agreed upon that benefits Real Madrid
More than a whim, the decision is a strategic move. Ancelotti understands that Vinícius must manage his efforts to arrive in the best possible condition for the key matches of the season.
Brazil has room to try alternatives, but Real Madrid can't risk losing its most decisive footballer because of a friendly.
The rest granted by the Italian coach shows that the relationship between Vinícius and his coaches has always been one of absolute trust.
Ancelotti, who personally experienced the importance of taking care of the Brazilian, has made it clear that he still thinks about what's best for the player and, in turn, for Real Madrid.
They applaud the measure at Chamartín
The club's board values the decision enormously. Florentino Pérez and his team know that any effort saved for Vinícius translates into freshness, explosiveness, and goals for Real Madrid.
Ancelotti's gesture is also a reminder of how he managed the club's locker room: with a soft touch, but with strategic vision. At Valdebebas, they see it as an intelligent decision that reinforces the care of a star.
Ancelotti knows that what's good for Real Madrid will also be good for Brazil.
Canarinha, with Rodrygo and Militao, will host Chile in Rio de Janeiro on September 5 and will face Bolivia in El Alto on September 10.
Madrid breathes easy
Avoiding a trip of more than 6,214 miles (10,000 kilometers), time changes, and matches at high altitude is a silent victory for Real Madrid. The team will be able to count on a less worn-out Vinícius, more focused on the season.
History shows that national teams can become an obstacle for clubs. Ancelotti learned this painfully during his time in Madrid and has now left a lesson: protecting the most valuable players is as important as lining them up in the big matches.