Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid
Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
The hostility against Vinicius Jr. appears to be at an all-time high, for the Real Madrid superstar can seemingly not enter a single stadium without facing the wrath of fans.
Needless to say, the situation around the winger is simply not normal. In the past few weeks, Vinicius has faced boos from the crowd at pre-season venues he has never played at, as well as in the team’s very first game of the new season.
At this point, the pattern has become so repetitive that it has been normalised, and it does not bode well for the player.
Mourinho’s first task
As reported by AS, Jose Mourinho’s success at Real Madrid is no longer dependent on solving superficially rooted problems like improving the synchrony between Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe or making the Brazilian work defensively.
Jose MOurinho, Real Madrid manager
Mourinho is solving the wrong problem. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Instead, his primary focus must be on the deep-rooted problem that is now growing increasingly clear – the psychological aspect.
The manager must strive to protect the player against all forms of hostility against him, and more importantly, stop every game from being a war against him.
After all, playing amidst such turbulence and psychologically challenging conditions week in and week out undoubtedly takes its toll, more so in a world that seemingly does not understand Vinicius.
Football has always been a sport where fans have actively participated in encouraging the team in highs and criticising them in lows. In that sense, a player being booed is not necessarily harsh.
Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid superstar
How much torture is too much? (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Vinicius’ situation, however, is clearly growing out of control and questions have to be asked about where the line must be drawn.
At this point, the player is clearly being kept from his best version simply by the ruthless atmosphere that surrounds him, and it is difficult to perform when placed under a magnifying glass in every clash.
Beyond the sporting aspect, in fact, the question is now one for the player’s mental health, and it is shameful how matters have escalated to this point without any intervention.
Santiago Canizares, La Liga icon
Photo by Nadine Rupp/Bongarts/Getty Images
Vinicius Jr. finally has his long-term future at Real Madrid sorted, having ended months of uncertainty by signing a new contract until 2032 earlier this month.
Yet, the renewal has done little to silence one of his fiercest critics.
Former Spain and Valencia goalkeeper Santiago Canizares has launched a remarkable attack on Vinicius, questioning not only his value to Real Madrid but also whether other top clubs would even want to sign a player with his profile.
Canizares’ comments come after a summer in which Vinicius’ future became a genuine talking point.
Notably, negotiations over a new deal had dragged on for more than a year, with the player’s salary and signing bonus demands proving to be major obstacles.
The situation appeared to become even more complicated when Arsenal entered the picture as the Brazilian approached the final year of his existing contract.
Canizares has criticised Vinicius Jr.’s contract renewal. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
That interest, however, was followed by a breakthrough in talks between Vinicius and Real Madrid.
The club improved its proposal without fully agreeing to the player’s original demands, and the two sides eventually reached an agreement on a new deal until 2032.
But while Real Madrid can now consider the story closed, Canizares has offered a different view of what the renewal says about Vinicius and his standing in the game.
Despite the renewal being wrapped up more than 20 days ago, Canizares did not hold back when asked about the renewal.
The former goalkeeper argued that Real Madrid’s decision should not necessarily be seen as proof that other elite clubs were desperate to sign Vinicius.
Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid player
Vinicius now has an improved deal until 2032. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
In his view, the club were left with little choice because of the player’s contract situation.
“There’s been a debate this summer, right? Because he has one year left on his contract, you either sell him or you don’t; you have to consider what he’s worth in terms of footballing ability,” he said in COPE.
“Nobody wants a player like that in their club.
“Since Real Madrid has been in need and obligated to renew his contract, because surely no other team has even contacted him or his agent, because nobody wants a player with these characteristics, in my opinion.
“Well, maybe a smaller team like Newcastle could have him,” he concluded.