Vinicius Junior “irritates” his own team-mates at Real Madrid, says Predrag Mijatovic, with his petulance leaving Blancos stars “talking to a child”.
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South American is a fiery characterWinds up rivals on the fieldColleagues have to get him out of troubleWHAT HAPPENED?
The Brazil international has become a talismanic figure at Santiago Bernabeu, with full potential being unlocked in the South American’s game. He is, however, considered to be as immature at 23 as he has ever been, with the Champions League winner leaving opponents and colleagues frustrated.
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That was the case once again during Vinicius’ latest European outing as, despite finding the target in a 1-1 draw with RB Leipzig, he clashed with on-field rivals and was fortunate to escape a red card. Mijatovic believes something needs to be done about the Samba star’s attitude, with it impossible for him to become a “legend” if things continue as they are.
WHAT MIJATOVIC SAID ABOUT VINICIUS
Former Blancos striker Mijatovic has told when assessing Vinicius’ efforts of late: “Real Madrid’s shirt does not tolerate this type of behaviour, perhaps another team’s does, maybe in another side you say OK, but not at Real Madrid. Vinicius has to find a way to calm down. If not he will never become a legendary player, regardless of the good he does in terms of his football. Vinicius is an unpredictable player, which is good, but the thing is he is unpredictable for his own team-mates. You see his team-mates dragging him away trying to calm him down, as if they were talking to a child. They also tell you [from within the club], without asking, that he has to change his attitude because irritates opponents and even his own team-mates.”
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR VINICIUS?
Vinicius has admitted in the past that he needs to add greater composure to his game, while Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has spoken about how the fiery forward must rein in the histrionics if he is to scale the heights expected of him.