Former Barcelona forward blasts Vinicius Jr, claiming Real Madrid star is ‘unbearable’
Vinicius Jr has been widely criticised for his behaviour in El Clasico
Former Barcelona forward Christophe Dugarry has described Vinicius Jr as “unbearable” and believes he will be sold by Real Madrid.
The Brazil winger was a central figure in Sunday’s 2-1 Clasico win over Barcelona, albeit for all the wrong reasons.
He incurred the wrath of the Madrid fans for his angry reaction to being substituted in the 72nd-minute, mouthing his displeasure – including saying “I’m leaving this team” – in a very public show of petulance towards coach Xabi Alonso before storming down the tunnel.
When he did return he was involved in the post-match fracas that saw several Madrid players target Lamine Yamal, who had made inflammatory pre-match remarks about the capital club.
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Dugarry – Vinicius Jr disrespected his coach
Dugarry was enthused by the performance of fellow Frenchman Kylian Mbappe, who opened the scoring and was a constant menace to the Barcelona defence, but had nothing but criticism for Vinicius Jr.
He said: “I loved Mbappé’s game, both his attitude and his behaviour. Unlike Vinicius, who is unbearable. He always complains about the referee and his rivals. Now, he disrespects his coach.”
Vinicius Jr has struggled to replicate his best form over the past 12 months – ever since he lost out to Manchester City midfielder Rodri in the voting for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
Dugarry, who made seven appearances for Barca in the 1997-98 season and won 55 caps for France, added: “You may be disappointed [to be taken off], but this goes too far. Go away, man, your performance is not up to par.
“It bothers me, he cries non-stop, he’s always asking for something. He is still a long way from his level of recent seasons. He was a future Ballon d’Or, a leader of Brazil, one of the best of Real Madrid. He needs to prove something more if he wants to get back to the same level.
“[Real Madrid president] Florentino Pérez will get rid of him.”
Kroos sticks up for under-fire Vini
Vinicius Jr did receive words of support from one of his former team-mates, though.
Toni Kroos, who retired last year after a glittering career at the Bernabeu, said: “When you play an exceptional game, especially in a match like this, at the very least you are not happy [at being substituted]. I never liked being replaced either, although to be fair, I’ve never gone to the locker room right after being taken off.
“It’s easy to judge from the outside. I like to keep in mind that in reality those who are down there in a Clasico, in front of 80,000 spectators and with the score 2-1, want everything but to go off. No-one can judge and imagine that emotion.”
Alonso confirmed after the game that he would discuss Vinicius’ reaction with the player but Kroos believes the coach will have plenty of understanding.
“The anger could be kept in a little longer,” added the former Germany international midfielder.
“I understand his anger, but as you can see in the images, it is not transmitted in the ideal way. Even so, I want to point out that it is an emotionally exceptional situation to be down there in such a game. I’ve lived it many times, so you don’t always have to take everything so seriously. Coaches don’t usually do it either. Especially those who were players.”