Vinicius Junior has been warned that his attitude is “not healthy”, with the Real Madrid superstar reacting angrily to being substituted during the Blancos’ 2-0 win over Espanyol. The Brazil international was replaced in the 77th minute of that contest and did not take kindly to seeing his number held up. Jorge Valdano has discussed another show of petulance.
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Another win: Mbappe on target in victory for Blancos
Real were in complete control of their meeting with Espanyol when second-half changes were made, with two spectacular goals from Eder Militao and Kylian Mbappe seeing them to another three-point haul.
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Valdano's reaction to Vinicius' antics
Vinicius was, however, eager to get in on the act and was less than impressed at being replaced by fellow countryman Rodrygo 13 minutes from the end. Former Real player, coach and sporting director Valdano told when assessing the South American’s antics and current form: “Vinicius is not the same as he was and the coach is not the same as he was. Now first he will have to improve his level and then convince the coach.
“These attitudes displayed in public are not healthy. They are not healthy in any case. Vinicius is a man who has been very supported by Real Madrid. He has fought against the world. The people, and even the club, between the world and Vinicius , preferred Vinicius.
“But here we are starting to enter another issue. Vinicius is no longer angry with the world, he is angry with his own coach, and the people at Real Madrid have always put the club before the player.
“So he should be a little more careful, because there is also implicit in this type of gesture a lack of respect for the player who is going to enter the field.”
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What Alonso said about angry reaction
Explaining his decision to replace Vinicius – who went off at the same time as Franco Mastantuono – and his reaction to being benched, Blancos boss Xabi Alonso said: “He lacked goalscoring today. I thought bringing in players on the outside, as a substitute, would be good. He and Franco were good, but the game needed more control. Maybe I substituted him when he was at his best, maybe I substituted him a little too early.
“Franco also left angry. It happens to everyone. I’m happy with Vini and Franco’s performance. We needed a refresher because the season is so long.”
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More expected from Vini Jr as a senior star
Vinicius Junior, who was a serious contender for the Ballon d’Or 12 months ago, has scored two goals through six appearances this season. He has passed the 20-goal mark in four successive seasons, but more is expected of the 25-year-old forward after becoming a senior leader at Santiago Bernabeu.
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