Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos analyzed El Clásico on his own podcast and shared his thoughts on the controversy surrounding Vinicius’ antics when Xabi Alonso decided to take him out of the game during
the second half.
“When you play an exceptional match, especially in a game like this, you’re not happy. I never liked being substituted either. But to be fair, I’ve never gone straight to the dressing room afterward. You can always judge from the outside, but I like to keep in mind that, in reality no one, except those who are there, in a Clásico and in front of 80,000 spectators with the score 2-1, knows that one wants everything but to leave. That emotion, no one who judges it afterwards can imagine it. Or often. Most of those who judge it simply cannot put themselves in his position,” said Kroos.
Still, the German legend believes that Vinicius could’ve reacted better.
“In the cold light of day and with a bit of distance, he’ll probably think: ‘Well, I can hold back the anger a little longer.’ I can understand him, but as you can see in the photos, it doesn’t look ideal. Still, I want to point out that it’s an emotionally exceptional situation when you’re down there at a match like that,” he added.
Ultimately, Kroos believes that cooler heads will prevail in this situation.
“I’ve lived it many times, so you don’t always have to take everything so seriously. Coaches don’t usually either. Especially those who used to be players,” he concluded.
