Former French footballer Emmanuel Petit, a 1998 World Cup winner, has offered a brutally honest assessment of Vinicius Jr.’s current situation at Real Madrid, claiming that the Brazilian has become a growing problem for the club both on and off the pitch.
The ex-Barcelona, Arsenal and France midfielder believes that Vinicius’ attitude has worsened since missing out on individual accolades and facing competition from high-profile teammates.
Petit did not hold back when describing the 25-year-old’s mindset, suggesting that frustration and ego are beginning to cloud his professionalism.
As he told Jeffbet (h/t SPORT), “Vinicius Jr. has been a problem at Madrid since he lost the Ballon d’Or to Rodri and Kylian Mbappe joined the club.
“He constantly complains: ‘Why always me? Why am I being substituted? Why didn’t I win the Ballon d’Or?’ He is becoming a very serious problem.”
Having experienced life in several elite dressing rooms, Petit argued that what Vinicius needs most is a reality check from within his own camp. He explained,
“If I were in the dressing room with him, I would have a very frank conversation.
“I would say to him: ‘Aren’t you happy at Real Madrid, the biggest club in the world? Well, go to a smaller club and be the star there.’”
Criticising Vinicius’ approach
The World Cup winner also criticised the Brazilian’s modern-day approach to apologies, highlighting that such gestures should remain private.
Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid manager
Petit has slammed Vinicius’ recent behaviour. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
In his words, “I don’t understand why players apologise on social media nowadays.
“If they want to apologise, they should tell the coach, the president, their teammates; it’s not necessary for everyone to see it.”
Petit then revealed that even Carlo Ancelotti, who has long defended Vinicius, may be growing tired of the forward’s attitude.
“I read what Carlo Ancelotti said to him. He spoke to him about El Clásico and told him that Vinicius made a mistake.
“If a coach like Ancelotti expresses himself like that, he’s probably also fed up with Vinicius’ behaviour.”
To close, Petit suggested jealousy could be at the root of Vinicius’ issues. He commented,
“Mbappé is the king. Vinicius is angry because he doesn’t earn as much and the team is built around Mbappe.
“Even Jude Bellingham was frustrated at first, but he reacted more professionally and is now scoring goals again,” he concluded.