Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has admitted that he 'simply does not like' playing as a number nine, which is the position that he is currently being asked to operate in by Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti.
The Brazilian has largely played as a right-sided attacker since his arrival at Bernabeu from Santos in July 2019.
Operating in a wide area, Rodrygo scored 19 goals and registered 11 assists in 57 appearances for Real Madrid during the 2022-23 campaign, but he is being asked to play a new role this season.
Karim Benzema's departure over the summer led to Ancelotti changing his formation for this term, with a 4-3-1-2 formation now seeing Jude Bellingham play behind a front two.
Rodrygo has been used alongside both Vinicius Junior and Joselu in the forward line this season, and he has struggled to make his mark, only managing one goal and one assist in 11 appearances.
The forward has not scored since the opening weekend of the new La Liga campaign against Athletic Bilbao, and he has admitted that he is not happy with his current role in the team.
"I have always made it clear that I have the ability to play on the wings, I simply don't like playing as a nine, although in my club I have to do it. With Brazil I have more freedom to move," he told Marca.
"It's a positive pressure to know that people trust you. I see myself [as a player to take it on] like this in this new cycle, and I think I can live up to those expectations that have been placed on me.
"[With Brazil] Sometimes I will be on the flanks, in the middle, each striker has his own style and plays in a different way. It depends on how the team sets out and how we plan the attack.
"I see myself with more pressure, taking on more and more responsibility. It's a positive pressure, knowing that people expect something from you, trust you.
"This is how I see myself in this new cycle, and I hope to live up to those expectations. This happens to all forwards, spending time without scoring goals is frustrating. But sometimes it's a matter of bad luck."
Ancelotti recently admitted that he had been surprised by Rodrygo's lack of goals this term.
"The problem is that he hasn't scored the goals I expected of him, but he has worked very well. He's had a lot of wear and tear and a bit of rest can help him," the Real Madrid told reporters earlier this season.
Rodrygo is currently with the Brazil squad preparing for Tuesday's 2026 World Cup qualification fixture against Uruguay, and he will then return to Real Madrid ahead of their La Liga clash with Sevilla on Saturday. body check tags ::
