Toni Kroos defends Real Madrid megastar after Clasico controversy – ‘Never liked being substituted either’ | OneFootball

Former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has come out in defence of Vinicius Jr. following the Brazilian’s controversial reaction during El Clasico when Xabi Alonso decided to substitute him for Rodrygo. 

Having shared the dressing room with Vinicius for several years, Kroos knows the forward’s personality, temperament, and how emotions can take over in such high-intensity moments.

Speaking on his podcast (h/t MARCA), the German midfielder offered an honest and balanced assessment of the incident, reminding fans that emotions often run high during matches of such magnitude.

“When you play an exceptional game, especially in a game like this, you’re not happy. 

“I never liked being substituted either. But to be fair, I never went straight to the locker room afterwards,” Kroos said.

Unfair to judge from the outside

The Real Madrid legend believes it’s unfair for outsiders to judge the emotional reactions of players in the heat of the moment. 

He explained that no one can truly understand the pressure and adrenaline involved in such fixtures unless they’ve experienced it firsthand.

“You can always judge from the outside, but I like to keep in mind that, in reality, no one except those who are there in front of 80,000 spectators with the score at 2-1, knows that you want anything but to leave. 

Vinicius Jr. took the centre stage against Barcelona. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“No one who judges that emotion can really imagine it. Most of those who judge it simply cannot put themselves in his shoes,” Kroos continued.

Asking for self reflection

Having witnessed Vinicius’ passion and intensity up close, Kroos admitted he expects the Brazilian to reflect on his actions calmly once the dust settles.

“Once he’s calmed down and gained some perspective, he’ll probably think: ‘Well, I can hold onto my anger a little longer’. 

“I can understand it, but as you can see in the photos, it doesn’t give the best impression. 

“However, I want to point out that it’s an exceptional emotional situation when you’re down there in a game like that.”

Kroos ended his remarks with a reassuring message for Real Madrid fans, urging them not to read too much into the situation.

“I’ve been through it many times, so you don’t always have to take everything so seriously. 

“Coaches don’t usually do that either. Especially those who were players,” he concluded.