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.
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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.”
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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.
Vinicius Jr.’s behavious has been criticised by Matthaus and Babbel. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
“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.
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“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.”
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