Former Real Madrid manager opines on Vinicius situation: ‘Needs to put his energy into the game’ | OneFootball

There has been plenty of discussion about what happened with Vinicius Jr. in last Saturday’s match between Espanyol and Real Madrid (1-2).

The Brazilian winger received a kick from an opposition player while on the floor, but the incident was overlooked by the referee as well as the VAR.

Moreover, the 26-year-old superstar was once again at the receiving end of boos and whistles from opposition fans at the RCDE Stadium.

Following the match, Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho did not hesitate to say that the Brazilian is being bullied by opponents and supporters.

“From the first minute, it’s like he’s already been given a set routine. Now I foul him, now you foul him, one player gets a yellow card, another comes on without one. It’s incredibly frustrating for him; he needs to have a lot of mental control,” Mourinho said.

“I’ve even told him that if he scores, he should be careful how he celebrates. We’re in a social era of anti-bullying, but with Vini, we’re still in the era of bullying,” he added.

Mourinho came out strong in defence of Vinicius after the game. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Jorge Valdano gives his take

Now, former Real Madrid manager and director Jorge Valdano has given his assessment of the Brazilian on Movistar.

“Madridismo backs Vinicius and, of course, his coach backs Vinicius,” Valdano began.

The Argentine then immediately pointed out the apparent contradiction in Mourinho’s current stance, compared to what the manager had said while he was at Benfica last season.

“But the coach was at Benfica just three months ago and, regarding Vinicius, he said other things,” said Valdano, taking a dig at Mourinho, with whom he does not have the best of relatioships.

For Valdano, the situation surrounding Vinicius has become one in which everyone believes they are right.

Vinicius advised to direct his energy into the game. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

“Here, everyone thinks they are right about Vinicius. The opponents and the Madridistas,” he added.

Valdano’s advice to Vinicius

Valdano then offered Vinicius some advice about how he should handle the situation, as he said:

“I understand that, little by little, Vini is going to have to understand that he needs to put his energy into the game because he’s a star, and that’s where he has to make the difference and build his empire.”

“Not through conflict, because that doesn’t benefit him or Real Madrid,” he concluded.