Zidane Criticizes Vinícius Júnior’s Behavior and Cautions Ancelotti
Zinedine Zidane, the former manager of Real Madrid, has openly criticized Carlo Ancelotti for continuing to start Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior, despite concerns over the player’s temperament and decision-making on the pitch. In a press conference, Zidane shared that he had previously warned Ancelotti about Vinícius, expressing his worries over the player’s aggressive behavior and the potential negative impact it could have on the team.
“I’ve cautioned Carlo Ancelotti about this player. He chose not to bench him, and the same issues continue,” Zidane stated. “Vinícius is undoubtedly talented, but his aggression and lack of composure have cost the team on multiple occasions. Just recently, he nearly cost Real Madrid three points against Valencia.”
Recent Incident Against Valencia
Zidane’s comments followed a recent La Liga match against Valencia, where Vinícius Júnior’s actions on the field almost put Real Madrid’s victory at risk. Although the team ultimately secured a win, Zidane believes the incident highlighted the dangers of depending on a player who struggles to control his emotions during intense moments.
“Talent is not enough at Real Madrid. Discipline and maturity matter just as much,” Zidane said. “During my time as manager, I always favored players who could carry the weight of the shirt without letting emotions interfere.”
Zidane’s Experience with Vinícius Júnior
Zidane’s comments also reflect his time as Real Madrid’s coach, during which he reportedly had doubts about Vinícius Júnior’s readiness as a regular starter. Despite the forward’s exceptional talent, Zidane was concerned that his unpredictable behavior could disrupt the team’s balance.
“I’ve always been supportive of developing young talent, but there comes a point where tough decisions must be made for the good of the team,” Zidane added. “I’m not saying Vinícius doesn’t have a future at Real Madrid, but he needs to find a way to channel his aggression in a more productive manner.”
Ancelotti’s Perspective
Carlo Ancelotti has consistently backed Vinícius Júnior, regularly including him in the starting lineup. The Italian manager has praised the Brazilian for his ability to break down defenses and create scoring opportunities, seeing him as a crucial part of Real Madrid’s attack. However, Zidane’s caution raises questions about whether Ancelotti’s confidence in Vinícius is misplaced, particularly in high-stakes matches.
Divided Opinions Among Fans
The ongoing debate about Vinícius Júnior has sparked differing opinions among fans and analysts. While many admire his creativity and flair, others share Zidane’s concerns about his emotional control. Some view his fiery temperament as an asset that adds intensity to his game, while others worry it could prove damaging during critical moments.
Looking Ahead
As Real Madrid moves forward in both domestic and international competitions, the scrutiny on Vinícius Júnior will continue. Whether Ancelotti will take Zidane’s advice into account or remain committed to the young forward remains to be seen. For Vinícius, the challenge ahead will be proving his doubters wrong by showcasing not only his talent but also his development as a disciplined and dependable team player.
