At a glance
- Vinicius Jr. apologised after scoring against Alaves in a 2-1 win for Real Madrid.
- Club legend Guti has defended the Brazilian.
- On Spanish television, he said: “In re”cent games Vinicius’ level has been very good and a player should never apologize for his work.”
Real Madrid legend Guti defended Vinicius Jr. by saying that a player “should never apologise for his work” while performing punditry duties for DAZN.
Vinicius scored Los Blancos’ second goal in an eventual 2-1 win over Alaves at the Bernabeu on Tuesday. After doing so, he appeared to apologise to the stands amid kissing the badge, in an action that has gone viral across social media.
Naturally it was discussed on Spanish television too, and Guti said: “He shouldn’t do it”.
“You can be right or wrong, but always try. In the last few games his level has been very good and a player should never apologize for his work,” Guti added.
Guti knows better than most the demands at Real Madrid
Guti’s comments have been reported by some corners as a criticism. But they should instead be viewed as a defence of the talented winger.
The Galactico era central midfielder knows better than most what it takes to keep the Bernabeu onside. And once more, Madridistas booed Vinicius in the early minutes of the Alaves win.
Alvaro Arbeloa noted at full time that “it’s not the first time it’s happened to us”.
“Vinicius has always made a great effort to put the team on his back. He doesn’t hide, he’s a great Madridista, he feels the badge and he’s very brave. I’m glad the audience [eventually] rewarded him with applause.”
Arbeloa also remarked: “We will die with this debate about the demand of this stadium. What makes me happy is that Vinicius has changed the whistles for applause. For me that’s what’s important.”
But another topic for debate is whether Vinicius will renew his contract beyond 2027. That seems certain, with the number 7 and Kylian Mbappe singled out as protagonists for next season’s sporting project amid a possible structural clear out by president Florentino Perez.
