Real Madrid News
Bayern Munich legend criticises Real Madrid superstar – ‘He just complains and whines’
Former Bayern Munich players Lothar Matthaus and Markus Babbel have delivered strong criticism of Real Madrid ahead of their UEFA Champions League clash tomorrow.
Speaking on the programme Sky90 – the football debate (h/t Mundo Deportivo), both former players expressed concerns about the Spanish club’s recent behaviour and singled out Vincius Jr.
Criticism of Vinicius Jr.
Matthäus was particularly direct in his assessment of Vinicius, acknowledging him as a great player but pointing fingers at the Brazilian superstar’s behaviour on the pitch.
“This has been going on for years. Vinicius Jr. is, of course, a great player, but he’s constantly provoking. When you finally make a proper tackle on him on the field, he just complains and whines,” he said.
Babbel shared a similar view regarding the Brazilian’s conduct, as he said: “When I see how he plays football, the talent he has, and then when I see him fall and roll around 14 times with every move, I just don’t like it.”
Criticism of Real Madrid’s Conduct
Matthaus also criticised Real Madrid’s reaction after Rodri was awarded the Ballon d’Or in 2024 instead of Vinicius, following which the club boycotted the gala in Paris.
“Rodri was chosen as the best player in the world. And then they said: unfair. One of ours should have won it, so we boycott it. You do not do that, out of respect for the opponent, for the other teams, for the other players,” Matthaus said.
“This is how a club that has achieved great things, that has a truly glorious history, loses prestige. I also do not think Real Madrid’s behaviour in recent years is correct.”
Babbel echoed the criticism of Matthaus, stating: “Their behaviour in recent years is, in my opinion, extremely unsportsmanlike; it has nothing to do with fair play anymore.
“I always get the feeling that they think they are superior to others, that they see themselves as better than everyone else. That irritates me a lot; it makes me feel a total antipathy towards them.”
He also pointed to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, adding: “The president also plays a very important role in this, because if one of his players doesn’t win the Ballon d’Or, then we as a team aren’t going to boycott the event.
“I think it’s disrespectful to everyone else, and that’s why the club has lost so much respect in my eyes; I simply find them incredibly unpleasant.”
Real Madrid News
Jose Mourinho wants more attacking options at Real Madrid despite reaching 500-goal milestone
Jose Mourinho wants Real Madrid to become even more dangerous in attack, despite reaching a significant milestone during their 4-3 victory over AS Roma.
According to MARCA, it has come to light that Antonio Rudiger’s goal against Roma helped Mourinho’s Real Madrid reach 500 goals under his management.
However, the achievement has not changed the Portuguese coach’s desire to add more variety to his team’s attacking play.
In fact, Mourinho wants a side capable of controlling possession, launching rapid counter-attacks and creating danger from set pieces, all without losing the defensive discipline that defines his approach.
Mourinho targets attacking variety at Real Madrid
Real Madrid already have considerable firepower at their disposal, with Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Yan Diomande, Arda Guler, Carlos Espi and Endrick, giving Mourinho several attacking options.
On top of that, the injured Rodrygo would provide another high-quality alternative once available.
Hence, the challenge is not only to score more goals, but to make Real Madrid less predictable.
Mourinho wants his forwards to exploit their pace in transition while ensuring the team can also break down opponents through patient build-up play.
Set pieces are another important part of his plans, as combining those threats with defensive organisation would give the team more ways to control matches and punish different types of opposition.
Mourinho reaches 500 goals for Real Madrid
Rudiger’s strike against Roma carried added significance because it took Mourinho to 500 goals in 188 matches as Real Madrid manager.
That works out at an average of 2.66 goals per game, the best return among club managers who have overseen at least 50 matches.
La Liga accounts for the largest share, with Real Madrid scoring 345 goals in 122 matches.
They have added 92 goals in 38 Champions League games, 55 in 24 Copa del Rey matches and eight in four Spanish Super Cup fixtures.
Their biggest victory during this spell came in the 2010-11 Copa del Rey, when Madrid beat Levante 8-0.
This season, though, the team are averaging 2.5 goals per match.
Mourinho wants more from Real Madrid’s attack
The numbers underline Real Madrid’s scoring power, but Mourinho is looking beyond the milestone.
His ambition is to build a more versatile attack that can adapt to different opponents rather than rely solely on individual brilliance or quick transitions.
With Mbappe and Vinicius offering pace and penetration, and several other options providing different qualities, Madrid have the personnel to develop that flexibility.
Hence, the next step is making those strengths work together consistently.
