The Copa del Rey Final between Barcelona and Real Madrid, which ended with a 3-2 victory for the Culers, continues to elicit many reactions. One of the most forceful has come from Poli Rincón, former footballer and current commentator on COPE...who didn't hesitate to harshly criticize the attitude of Vinícius Júnior during the match.
In statements to the program Tiempo de Juego, Poli Rincón couldn't hide his indignation: "What I just saw hurts my soul... Vinicius fell, the play was next to him, Yamal recovered, he just lay there watching, why should I get up, why should I go back... He let Barça start the play. I find it disgraceful," he stated forcefully on COPE's microphones.
Rincón's criticism didn't stop at the specific detail of that play. The former player made it clear that attitudes like Vinícius's can't be allowed in a club like Real Madrid, especially in such an important final. For Poli, a footballer of Vinícius's caliber must set an example of commitment and effort, especially in decisive moments.
The Brazilian was one of the offensive protagonists for Real Madrid in the match...but his behavior in actions like the one pointed out by Poli Rincón has sparked a debate among fans and the white club's environment. Is Vinícius too weak in pressing and alert to other matters?
The truth is that Poli Rincón's anger reflects the feelings of many Madridists, disappointed by the image Vinícius conveyed at certain points. The former footballer publicly called for a change in the Brazilian's attitude if he wants to become a true legend of Real Madrid.
Vinícius: Renewal in Progress with Real Madrid
Real Madrid hasn't spared any effort in negotiating a new contract with Vinícius Júnior. The Brazilian has definitively rejected the proposal from Saudi Arabia and is about to renew his bond with the white club. He will do so until 2029, with an important addition: from now on, he will surpass Mbappé and have the highest salary on the team.
In recent hours, Miguel Martín Talavera has assured on SER that "in the salary scale, he will rise to number one, and then the team leader is Vinicius. There has been a leadership problem, Mbappé neither took it nor knew how to take it, and the renewal brings that figure closer to Vinicius."
In this regard, what they are clear about on SER is that Vinícius Júnior will once again be the figure of Real Madrid in the present and future. Speaking about leadership in the white team, Talavera pointed out: "Kylian Mbappé neither took it nor knew how to take it, and the renewal brings that figure closer to Vinícius."