"You get the feeling that his behaviour ends up hurting the team" - Toni Kroos makes admission about ex-Real Madrid mate's attitude

Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos has warned Vinicius Jr that his reaction to getting substituted against Barcelona hurts the team. He understands the Brazilian's frustration, but revealed that he has had conversations with his former teammate.

Speaking on his podcast, Kroos said that Vinicius Jr does not like getting substituted but needs to ensure his reaction is in check. He added that the winger gets annoyed at referees, opponents, and even the fans, but the Real Madrid star need to do better when he is substituted. He said (via Madrid Universal):

"At that point, I told him many times that it was enough, because you get the feeling that his behaviour ends up hurting the team. It's understandable that it can annoy people, whether it's an opponent, a referee or the crowd."

Kroos added that he has tried several times to calm the Brazilian down during their time together at the club and said:

"As a team, you get the impression that everything is turning against the group because of what is happening around them. I tried many times to calm him down on the pitch, especially so that he wouldn't lose his rhythm, because sometimes that happened. I always told him: 'You're so good that you don't need all that."

Toni Kroos and Vinicius Jr. played 209 matches together at Real Madrid, combining for 7 goals.

Real Madrid legend comments on Vinicius Jr's reaction vs Barcelona

Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema spoke to AS earlier this month about Vinicius Jr's reaction to getting substituted against Barcelona. The Frenchman claimed it was the winger's character, but he believes the Brazilian should not show his frustration on his way off the pitch. He said (via Madrid Xtra):

“Vini Jr.’s reaction in El Clásico? He gets angry when he leaves the pitch. That's normal. That's his character. Okay, he shouldn't do that. People need to know that's how he is. He has a reaction. It's nothing. He was doing well on the pitch, he thought he can do more, have more touches, but then he got substituted. He reacted because he doesn't want to leave the pitch. It's normal. It's nothing."

Vinicius Jr apologized after the game, saying his reaction was due to passion and that he was not angry at any player. He wants to give it his all for the club, as he remains in talks over a new deal at the club.