Former Barcelona manager says Real Madrid star ‘needs help’ following World Cup comments | OneFootball

Former Barcelona manager Quique Setien has expressed strong concern about Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr.’s recent comments regarding the World Cup being held in Spain.

Setien believes Vinicius ‘needs help’ following his controversial remarks about the upcoming tournament.

Setien was quoted by SPORT as saying, “He needs help right now. What he said about the World Cup that Spain will host… Everything good he has as a footballer is overshadowed by this kind of thing.”

Setien’s comments reflect his belief that Vinicius’s football talent is being overshadowed by his remarks on a sensitive issue.

Vinicius has sparked controversy

Vinicius sparked a major debate in Spain with his outspoken views on the persistent problem of xenophobia in the country. Spain is set to co-host the 2030 World Cup with Portugal and Morocco, and Vinicius’s criticism focused on Spain’s progress in combating racism.

Vinicius’ comments sparked a big controversy in Spain. (Photo by THOMAS COEX/AFP via Getty Images)

He voiced his concerns about whether the country is making enough strides in addressing these issues, suggesting that if no significant improvements are made, there might be a need to reconsider Spain’s role as a World Cup host.

The controversy surrounding Vinicius’s remarks was further inflamed by reactions from various figures in Spain. Dani Carvajal, a teammate of Vinicius at Real Madrid, and Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida, the Mayor of Madrid, both called for the player to amend his statements.

Almeida argued that Vinicius’ comments were damaging and suggested that they could jeopardise Spain’s status as a World Cup host.

Carvajal and Martínez-Almeida’s responses highlight the tension between the need to address important social issues and the desire to protect Spain’s international reputation.

Vinicius’s comments have not only stirred up local reactions but also shed light on ongoing discussions about racism and xenophobia in sports and beyond. The situation serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between sports, social issues, and national pride.