Amid the wave of criticism targeting Vinicius Junior, actions from president Florentino Perez are drawing significant attention to the future of this star.
The defeat against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals triggered a fierce wave of criticism aimed at Vinicius Junior. The Real Madrid winger is considered to have failed to meet expectations in major matches, particularly in terms of coordination and attacking effectiveness.
According to Marca, Vinicius's issues are not solely professional. His ability to combine with Kylian Mbappe, defensive contributions, and playing attitude are all under scrutiny. However, notably, despite facing considerable pressure, the club's leadership maintains a clear stance regarding the player's future.
This season has seen Vinicius continuously become the center of controversy. From incidents related to racial discrimination in the match against Benfica, to a prolonged scoring drought, he frequently faces negative reactions from the home stands. The jeers from Madrid's own fans further increase the pressure.
Moreover, the Brazilian player is criticized for his cold relationship with former head coach Xabi Alonso. Being perceived as lacking respect for this manager is seen as one of the factors contributing to the dismissal decision, further damaging Vinicius's image.
Nevertheless, according to Marca, President Florentino Perez remains fully supportive of the Brazilian striker. He has maintained a good relationship with Vinicius for many years and has never wavered in the face of external criticism.
Perez considers the 26-year-old player an irreplaceable part of the long-term plan. He believes that Vinicius and Mbappe will be the key duo leading Real Madrid's attack for many seasons ahead, despite current difficulties.
The trust from the top also opens the possibility of a contract extension for Vinicius, as his current agreement expires next year. This is seen as a clear move affirming that Real Madrid still bets its future on the Brazilian star.