Vini Jr.: “The connection with the fans changes the dynamics of the matches”
“We are prepared, we have a lot of experience, and hopefully we can do things well," added the forward.
Vini Jr. spoke to the media the day before the match against Bayern Munich, in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, which will be played at the Bernabéu (Tuesday, 9:00 pm CEST; Orange TV and Movistar Liga de Campeones): "Surely, the most important thing is the connection between the players and the fans, as that always changes the dynamics of the matches at home, in the Champions League. We have to be prepared because a good team is coming that has lost very few matches this season, but we are ready and have a lot of experience in these kinds of games, and hopefully we can do things well.”
“There are ups and downs; there are days when we are more connected with each other and others less so. That’s what happened in Mallorca. We came back from international duty and weren’t as connected as in other matches. That affects us a lot because today, if you’re not at 200%, you don’t win matches, as the coach has said. And hopefully tomorrow will be one of those days because it’s an important match and an important day for us.”
Renewal
“I hope I can stay here for a long time. I have one year left on my contract and we are very calm because I have the trust of the president. We are calm, we know what we want, and at the right moment, we will proceed with the renewal. I want to stay here for a long time because this is the club of my dreams and I am very happy.”
How did you experience Xabi Alonso's era?
“It was a difficult moment because I played a lot of matches but had little game time. The coach has his method. Every coach has their own way, and I think it wasn’t possible to connect as he wanted and as the team wanted. But it was a learning experience. I learned a lot and the players helped me during that time as well. After reflecting a lot, I have improved as a person, and I hope I can continue like this with Arbeloa, with whom I have a wonderful connection. He has always given me confidence and told me exactly what I need to do. I am prepared and ready to play great matches for this club that has given me so much.”
10 goals streak in the last 15 matches
“I’m not referring to my connection with Xabi Alonso, I’m talking about the game method and what happened. With Arbeloa, I’ve had a special connection, just as I did with Ancelotti. He has always given me confidence, made it clear what he expects from me, and I give everything for this team, as I always have and always will. This is the club of my life, and I seize every opportunity. I’ve spent a long time without scoring goals, something that had never happened to me since I first arrived here when I was young and inexperienced. Bad moments can come, and they did, but I have learned and want to continue learning every day, because Real Madrid players don’t only experience good times; there are also bad ones, and the best players always turn things around.”
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What’s your opinion about claims that the Mbappé-Vini Jr. partnership hasn’t worked in important matches?
“People say many things. When there are many good players, people can talk about anything. Mbappé has always given us confidence and goals. We need to be connected tomorrow, especially with our fans, because it’s a tough match where the best players make the difference, and he is one of the best. I have a very good connection with him both on and off the pitch. We are always together and will keep fighting for this club forever.”
How are you feeling?
“Very well. I’ve gone through tough times this season, spent time without scoring goals, and even faced boos from fans, but it was all a learning experience. I’m in my best form of the season, physically fine. I’ve played many matches. Traveling with the national team takes a toll because of time changes, different countries, and everything, but we must be prepared. I want to play for the club, but I also want to represent my national team and be at my best. That’s why I work with everyone at the club, including the staff, and at home with my physiotherapist to stay 100% fit and ready to help the team.”
Possible absence of Kane in the starting lineup
“It changes things because he scores a lot of goals. He’s their striker, but they have a great team where many players change positions, which can make things quite challenging for us. Whoever plays will make it difficult, but we all need to be prepared.”
Does it bother you when people say you lack defensive commitment?
“Of course, it bothers me, but people are there to say what they want, and we need to stick together, understand what the coach wants from us, understand what the club wants, and figure out what we can do to stay connected with our fans. What comes from outside, we can’t change, and it doesn’t affect us, but if we stick together, we can make each other better and do things better. There are two months left in the season, and we have everything to play for.”
How do you see the progress in the fight against racism?
“It’s always a complicated topic to talk about, but it happens often. I hope we can continue this fight. It’s important that Lamine Yamal speaks out, and this can help others. We are famous, we have money, and we can balance things better, but the poor, the black people everywhere, surely face more difficulties than us. We need to stick together. Those who have great strength, the players… I’m not saying Spain, Germany, or Portugal are racist countries, but there are racists in these countries. Above all, in Brazil and other countries, there are racists too, but if we continue this fight together, in the future, these things might stop happening.”
What do you think about claims that all the season’s problems began when you were seen angry during the Clásico with Xabi Alonso?
“It was a moment that wasn’t pleasant, where I apologized to the team, the club, the coach, and everyone who was there at that time. I also apologized to the fans. It was a complicated moment; I play every match and don’t want to be substituted in any of them. I understood that I was fine and that it wasn’t the right change, but later, after the match, when you cool down, you realize you were wrong. These things happen; I’m young, I’m 25 years old, but I’ve played here for a long time and have a lot of experience. Every day is a new experience, and I can improve. I want to improve in this aspect and keep evolving to be a better example for kids and others every day.”
Militão’s return
“I’m very happy about his return because he’s one of my best friends. He’s been injured 2 or 3 times throughout the season. He is undoubtedly the best center-back in the world, and when we’re with him, we’re better and more connected. When we’re with all the players, we’re stronger, and now we’re seeing everyone come back. Bellingham, Mendy, Ceballos, they’re important players who can help us a lot because there’s little time left in the season, and we need to be fully connected. I think it’s going to be a beautiful end to the season for us.”
Disclaimer: Translation generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies.