“He’s a piece of sh*t as a person” - Ex-Valencia president Paco Roig launches attack on Real Madrid superstar
Former president of La Liga club Valencia Paco Roig aimed some scathing words at Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr. Roig. Despite his great performances for Real Madrid, Vinicius has been at the center of controversies at times in Spain.
The Brazilian has regularly received racist abuse from fans, including an incident in May 2023 at Valencia's Mestalla stadium. The game was temporarily stopped after the 24-year-old pointed to fans in the stand using racial slurs and making ape gestures at him.
Paco Roig said the following about the Real Madrid forward in an interview (via FC Barcelona Noticias):
"He will be a great player, which I believe he is, but he is a... He's a piece of sh*t as a person. Always going to the referee. I have been to South America 20 or 30 times and nothing has ever happened to me. I go to South America with humility and speak with affection. I can't go there saying I'm the conqueror. This guy can't be like that. But who are you?"
Carlo Ancelotti dismisses work rate concerns of Real Madrid duo
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti insisted that the defensive work rate of Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe is not a concern for him. The Italian suggested that the midfield and defence had to pick up the slack when the front three pressed high.
Ahead of his side's clash against Espanyol in La Liga at the weekend, Ancelotti said (via Marca):
“The team’s objective is to be compact. If Vini, Kylian and Rodrygo press high and the midfielders don’t go up and the defence don’t go up, it’s not their problem."
“I’m not saying they have to defend more, but we have to get closer in distances to the midfield. I understand you think there’s a lack of balance because the three up front ‘aren’t working’, but that’s not the case.”
There have been some growing pains as Los Blancos are finding ways to fully integrate Mbappe into the side. The French superstar joined the club on a free transfer after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired.
Real Madrid are now beginning to click into top gear after they completed a comfortable 4-1 win over Espanyol. Mbappe now has four goals and one assist in six league games while Vinicius has collected three goals and two assists in the same period.