Former La Liga manager says Real Madrid megastar does not represent club values | OneFootball

Former Getafe and Sevilla manager Quique Sanchez Flores has delivered a strong and controversial assessment of Vinicius Jr., claiming the Real Madrid forward’s recent behaviour no longer reflects the values associated with the club. 

Speaking during an interview on El Partidazo de COPE, with comments reported by Mundo Deportivo, Sanchez Flores did not hold back in his criticism.

Reflecting on Vinícius’ evolution over the last two seasons, the former coach questioned whether the Brazilian is currently living up to his potential and responsibility at Real Madrid.

“I think that in the last two years, he has not represented the values of Real Madrid, and that he is very far from the player he can become,” he said.

Sanchez Flores went on to acknowledge the growing frustration among sections of the fanbase, suggesting that their reaction is understandable given the circumstances.

“I agree with the fans who have become very nervous about Vinicius.”

The El Clasico debacle

He also revisited a key moment that sparked widespread debate, which is Vinicius’ substitution during the Clasico at Santiago Bernabeu. 

That incident became symbolic of the fractured relationship between the player and the then-manager Xabi Alonso.

Vinicius Jr. has been criticised by former Sevilla coach. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

In Sanchez Flores’ view, the situation should have been handled with more authority from the touchline.

“Xabi should have taken the necessary measures after that substitution,” he said, adding, “The club had the option of siding with the coach or the player: And they sided with the player.”

Alonso’s dismissal

Turning his attention to Alonso’s dismissal, Sanchez Flores admitted that the decision did not surprise him. 

In fact, he suggested it may have been the healthiest outcome for the coach himself, given the visible toll the job had taken.

He said that the event did not “take him by surprise” and that it was “the best thing for Xabi.”

“These deaths foretold are very tragic, very painful, very unfair… And what you want for a colleague is that if it has to happen, it happens as soon as possible. His body language was that of an exhausted coach,” he said.

Finally, Sanchez Flores assessed the role of Alvaro Arbeloa following Real Madrid’s shock elimination against Albacete in the Copa del Rey round of 16. 

While acknowledging Arbeloa’s responsibility, he placed the blame largely on the players.

“Yesterday’s game was a game of players. He is ultimately responsible for the squad and the lineup, but he was a passenger in what happened yesterday,” he concluded.