The alleged case of racist insult involving Vinícius Júnior and Gianluca Prestianni, which occurred in the game between Real Madrid and SL Benfica for the UEFA Champions League, continues to dominate the debate in European football, generating contrasting reactions among some of the most media-driven coaches in the world.
During the preview of the meeting between Paris Saint-Germain and Metz, Luis Enrique was confronted with the topic, but chose to remain almost completely silent. After a few seconds of pause, he simply said that he had nothing relevant to add on the subject, in a reaction that quickly generated criticism and comparisons.
Luis Enrique understands that what he has to say about the case of racism suffered by Vini Jr. is not important.
I disagree. It wasn’t for nothing that I asked.
What one of the best coaches today, at a club like PSG, with the spotlight that this brings, has to say about the topic does matter.
— Clara Albuquerque (@claalbuquerque)
In contrast, Vincent Kompany, coach of FC Bayern München, gave a long and emotional speech about the episode. Kompany highlighted the complexity of the case, defended Vinícius Júnior and criticized the way José Mourinho approached the issue post-game, considering it an error to use Eusébio’s name to devalue the Brazilian player’s complaint. For the Belgian coach, the problem goes far beyond an isolated incident and reflects a structural problem in society and in European football.
12 minutes of Vincent Kompany, Bayern coach, talking about what happened between Vini, Prestianni and Mourinho.
It’s worth watching.
— REAL MIL GRAU (@realmilgrauu)
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City coach, also commented on the case, without taking direct positions. The Catalan coach argued that the fight against racism must begin in education and not just in sport, highlighting that real change happens in schools and in the formation of values from childhood.
Today’s question to Guardiola about the racist attacks on Vinicius:
— Fred Caldeira (@fredcaldeira)
