Real Madrid News
Kroos admits Real Madrid superstar’s behaviour can be annoying – ‘Ends up hurting the team’
Former Real Madrid midfielder and club legend Toni Kroos has admitted that superstar Vinicius Jr.’s attitude and behaviour on the field can get out of hand at times and affect the team.
The 25-year-old forward has always been under the scanner for his antics on the field, which do not always go down with opposition players and fans.
The Brazilian has been in the news after his angry outburst at his own manager, Xabi Alonso, following his substitution against Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Kroos opens up on Vinicius’ attitude
Now, Kroos, who retired last year, recalled that Vinicius’ behaviour, his gestures, provocations and confrontations with opponents and supporters, already bothered him when they played together.
“At that point, I told him many times that it was enough, because you get the feeling that his behaviour ends up hurting the team. It’s understandable that it can annoy people, whether it’s an opponent, a referee or the crowd,” he said, as quoted by AS.
Kroos explained that these tensions did not remain an individual issue, but affected the collective performance. According to the former midfielder, the feeling inside the dressing room was clear, saying:
“As a team, you get the impression that everything is turning against the group because of what is happening around them.”
Kroos added that, on many occasions, he tried to calm Vinicius during matches in order to protect both the team’s dynamic and the Brazilian’s own game.
“I tried many times to calm him down on the pitch, especially so that he wouldn’t lose his rhythm, because sometimes that happened. I always told him: ‘You’re so good that you don’t need all that,'” he concluded.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering leaving superstar duo out of Real Madrid starting XI vs Villarreal – report
Jose Mourinho is considering a major selection decision ahead of Real Madrid’s La Liga clash with Villarreal, with Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe potentially starting on the bench together for the first time.
According to Defensa Central, the possibility is being discussed because of the contrasting fitness concerns surrounding the two forwards after the international break.
Rather than a disciplinary measure, the decision would be aimed at managing their workloads before a demanding run of domestic and European fixtures.
Vinicius faces fatigue concerns
The Brazilian returns after featuring in all three of Brazil’s friendlies in Australia and India.
His international commitments involved long-distance travel as well as significant minutes, leaving Mourinho to assess his condition before selecting the team.
But physical freshness is not the only consideration, as Vinicius has struggled to produce his best football this season, and a short spell out of the starting line-up could give the coaching staff an opportunity to reset his role without making a long-term statement about his standing.
The plan is not to sideline him indefinitely. Rather, Mourinho needs Vinicius at his best for the decisive matches ahead, making the Villarreal game a possible opportunity to manage his workload while demanding a stronger response.
What about Mbappe?
Mbappe’s situation is less about form and more about fitness.
The France international suffered a hyperextension of the posterior capsule of his left knee and has begun individual work at Real Madrid City.
Even if he is cleared to return to the squad, which is likely to be the case, Mourinho will have to judge whether the forward can withstand the demands of a full match.
Starting him prematurely could create an unnecessary risk just as Real Madrid enter a busy stretch of the season.
The club’s attacking alternatives, including Brahim Diaz, Arda Guler and Jude Bellingham, could give Mourinho room to adjust his approach.
Depending on availability and tactical requirements, Carlos Espi and Yan Diomande are also among the names mentioned as possible options.
Focus on El Clasico
The Villarreal match is the first step in a run that includes Roma, Sevilla and RB Leipzig before Real Madrid meet Barcelona on October 25.
That schedule gives Mourinho a clear reason to think beyond one starting XI.
Leaving both stars out would be a notable decision, but it would not necessarily signal a change in their status.
The more important question is whether a carefully managed return can help them contribute consistently through October.
Hence, all things considered, Mourinho’s final call will depend on their condition in training, with the aim of having his key attackers ready for the fixtures that matter most.
