The “Master” may have hung up his crampons, but his word remains golden. In statements relayed by BILD and held during an Icon League event, Toni Kroos was surprisingly frank about his cohabitation with Vinicius Jr. The German admits having had to intervene on multiple occasions with the Brazilian to tell him that “enough was enough”. His observation is clear: the attacker’s behavior has, at times, “hurt” the team, creating a heavy atmosphere around the Madrid group.
Vinicius Jr too nervous? Toni Kroos confirms the discomfort
Far from simple gratuitous criticism, Kroos’ words resonate like the advice of an exasperated but caring big brother. He explains that he often tried to calm the Brazilian on the pitch, repeating to him:
“Vinicius, you’re so good you don’t need that.” For the former midfielder, the major problem lies in the loss of concentration. By dispersing himself into useless conflicts, number 7 loses the thread of his match and deprives the team of his genius when it needs it most.
This media release comes in a particularly tense context for Vinicius Jr since the start of the season. Between his palpable frustration following his second place in the 2024 Ballon d’Or, where he felt betrayed, and his repeated clashes with referees and opposing supporters, the player seems on edge. His gestures of humor, such as the “shh” addressed to the stands of Real Sociedad or his incessant complaints, ended up annoying well beyond the rival supporters, confirming the fears expressed by Kroos.
The collective taken hostage
The most worrying point raised by Kroos is the impact on the group. “As a team, we feel like everything is turning against everyone because of him,” he emphasizes. This mentality “alone against all” that Vinicius cultivates, sometimes in spite of himself, becomes a burden for his teammates who must manage the increasing hostility of the stadiums and the increased severity of the referees.
Without the calming presence of Toni Kroos in the locker room this season, Vinicius Jr finds himself facing his responsibilities. And for the moment, it is not working for him as evidenced by the episode with Xabi Alonso during the Clasico. He will absolutely have to channel this negative energy to once again become the undisputed technical leader, at the risk of further isolating himself.
