Athletic Club legend slams Real Madrid megastar over ‘lack of ambition’

Athletic Club legend slams Real Madrid megastar over ‘lack of ambition’ Vinicius Jr. has been told he needs to rediscover the hunger that made him one of Real Madrid’s most feared attackers, with Athletic Bilbao legend Julen Guerrero questioning the Brazilian’s current level. The Brazilian winger has endured an uneven start to the 2026/27 season, with his influence noticeably below the level he produced at his peak.  Guerrero believes the issue is not just his missed chances or inconsistent numbers, arguing that something has changed in Vinicius’ approach. “Vinicius doesn’t seem to have the same ambition and desire as before, the drive to attack, to take on defenders, to do all the things he does so well.  “He seems more complacent and is making a lot of mistakes. He needs to rediscover the joy of wanting to be number 1, as he has wanted to be for so long.  Julen Guerrero has criticised Vinicius Jr. for his poor form. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images) “Right now, he’s far from his best form,” said Guerrero, as per Defensa Central . Mbappe cannot be the solution Vinicius has still produced flashes of the player Real Madrid fans know, but the consistency that previously made him a constant threat has been harder to find. Guerrero expects Jose Mourinho to continue backing him, particularly because he does not see Mbappe as a natural replacement on the left. “I don’t see Mbappe on the left. I think Mourinho wants to get Vinicius back to his defensive role, and I don’t think Mbappé is suited for that.  “He’s focused on goals, on being up front, and resting when he doesn’t have the ball. That’s why Mourinho doesn’t see him playing alongside Espi.  Vinicius has been struggling with his finishing this season. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images) “I see him more as an attacking midfielder with freedom, with Espí pinning the centre-backs, than on the left. In his mind, he wants to stay up front. In any case, that position belongs to Bellingham,” Guerrero added. Real Madrid cannot afford to switch off Guerrero also identified a wider issue after Real Madrid’s 3-2 victory over Elche , where a comfortable two-goal lead disappeared before Carlos Espí rescued the points in stoppage time. “What’s most concerning is their switching off. The first half was comfortable, without playing excellent football, but with everything under control.  “They didn’t press high, nor did they seem to have tremendous ambition. Elche combined quite comfortably, but Madrid has much more firepower.  “This was even more pronounced in the second half, with Madrid defending with their eyes,” he concluded.