Thierry Henry has openly criticized Vinicius Junior’s display during Real Madrid’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League on March 12, 2024. This loss, which took place at Anfield, marked Madrid’s first setback in the tournament this season, following a series of strong performances.
The match was decided by Alexis Mac Allister’s goal in the 61st minute, leaving Real Madrid struggling to find their rhythm. For the first time this season, the team failed to register a goal, with both Vinicius Jr. and fellow star Kylian Mbappe unable to produce a shot on target. Henry expressed disappointment in Vinicius Jr.’s approach, particularly in his confrontation with Liverpool’s defender Conor Bradley.
In a post-match analysis for CBS Sports, Henry elaborated on his concerns. “I do not understand it. You have to play with what’s in front of you, you have to play the moment,” he stated, emphasizing the need for players to seize opportunities as they arise. He noted that even when the box was empty, Vinicius Jr. could still have exploited the space by passing to midfielders for a potential strike.
Henry highlighted a crucial moment early in the match when Vinicius Jr. had the advantage against Bradley but opted to retreat instead of pressing forward. “You had a one-on-one, try to see what you can do with that,” he remarked, questioning the Brazilian’s decision-making.
The former Arsenal and Barcelona player was not alone in his assessment. Former Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale echoed Henry’s sentiments, pointing out that both Vinicius and Mbappe lacked the spark typically expected from top players in critical situations. “It was a bit disappointing that in that final third there really wasn’t that kind of quality,” he said. Bale suggested that the duo might be overcomplicating their play. “Sometimes they need to try and test the defender,” he added, noting their speed and ability to outpace opponents.
As the Champions League progresses, both players will need to find their form to help propel Real Madrid back into contention. The pressure will be on them to leverage their skills more effectively in future matches.
Real Madrid’s next challenge will come as they look to recover from this setback and regain momentum in both domestic and international competitions. The team’s ability to adapt and respond to criticism will be crucial as they aim to maintain their status among Europe’s elite clubs.
