"Vinicius certainly wouldn't have lasted two weeks in Real's locker room during my time", Rincon told El Periodico. "Real has lost the sense of hierarchy and internal authority it once had".

Rincon played for Real from 1976 to 1981, scoring only three goals. His career highlight was winning the La Liga top scorer title in the 1982-1983 season with Betis.

Vinicius reacts after being substituted during the El Clasico match against Barca at Bernabeu stadium, Madrid, Spain on the evening of 26/10. Photo: Reuters

Vinicius reacts after being substituted during the El Clasico match against Barca at Bernabeu stadium, Madrid, Spain on the evening of 26/10. Photo: Reuters

Rincon believes Real previously operated on the principle that captains maintained order, ensuring the club's interests always superseded individual ones. He recalled the era of President Santiago Bernabeu, where no player received special treatment. "In the past, captains upheld discipline. The club stood above all", he stated.

According to the former striker, Vinicius embodies this change. He suggests that after the incident related to the 2024 Ballon d'Or race, the Brazilian forward received more power than necessary, affecting team stability. "Alfredo Di Stefano, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Raul Gonzalez all left, and Real Madrid continued to succeed. With Vinicius, however, the club is losing direction", the former Spanish striker said.

Poli Rincon, 68 years old, played for Real from 1976 to 1981.

Vinicius is currently on a 17-game scoring drought with Real. In his last 10 matches, he has also failed to assist any goals for his teammates. This has contributed to Real falling behind in the title race, trailing Barca by four points.

Beyond the players, Rincon also addressed the coaching staff. He cautiously assessed coach Xabi Alonso's tenure, not entirely dismissing his professional ability but issuing a clear warning: "The project will suffer fatally without support from the top. At current Real Madrid, power is concentrated with the President. If players sense Florentino Perez's trust wavers, the coach will face an impossible situation".

Rincon also observed that Real lacks true leaders following the departures of influential figures like Karim Benzema, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, and Casemiro. He believes the void in personality and prestige remains unfilled. Kylian Mbappe possesses skill but is not enough to galvanize the team. Jude Bellingham, he noted, is perceived as running excessively within Alonso's current system.

Meanwhile, Rincon praised long-time rival Barca under coach Hansi Flick. He commended Barca's consistent strategy of developing young players and maintaining a clear playing style. "They know what they are doing. Barca is a team. That is precisely what Real Madrid lacks", Rincon stressed.

By Hoang An (Source: Marca)