Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos has offered rare and candid insight into his on-field relationship with Vinicius Junior, revealing that he often stepped in to calm the Brazilian during emotional moments. In an interview with Sport Bild, the recently retired midfielder explained how Vinicius’ reactions sometimes created challenges for the entire team.
Kroos admitted that while Vinicius is an extraordinary talent, his behaviour at times escalated situations unnecessarily. “Vinicius’ behavior? I often told him to stop, because I felt that the whole team was being affected by it,” he said, reflecting on moments when referees, opponents, and even rival fans reacted strongly to the winger’s heated responses.
According to Kroos, there were matches where Real Madrid felt momentum shift against them due to Vinicius’ confrontations. “Sometimes it can get very tough on the opponents, the referees, and even the opposing fans. As a team, we sometimes felt that things were turning against us because of that,” he explained.
“I tried many times to calm him down on the field, just so he would stay focused, because at some moments he lost his cool,” Kroos added.
Kroos also shared the advice he repeatedly gave the Brazilian star. “I repeated it to him over and over: ‘Vinicius, you’re too good. You don’t need all this’.”
