Former Real Madrid midfielder slams current stars for disrespecting Atletico – ‘Don’t like this attitude’ | OneFootball

Clarence Seedorf, a former Real Madrid midfielder who played for the club between 1996 and 2000, has expressed his discontent with the way Real Madrid players celebrated after their Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid.

The highly intense second-leg clash between the two Madrid rivals ended in drama, with Real Madrid progressing to the quarter-finals after a tense penalty shootout.

The outcome sparked a significant reaction, particularly regarding the post-match celebrations of Los Blancos‘ players.

Seedorf’s criticism

Among those who voiced their opinion was Seedorf, who, speaking from Italy, did not approve of certain gestures made by the Real Madrid squad after securing their win.

“I didn’t like some things from the Real Madrid players. We have to respect the rival fans and I don’t like these attitudes,” he said as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

Clarence Seedorf did not like Real Madrid players’ celebration. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

He highlighted that while it was understandable for the team’s fans to celebrate in the stands, some of the players displayed behaviour that, in his view, crossed the line.

“It’s clear that the Madrid fans were very high in the stands, but I saw gestures that I didn’t like. I saw things that I’m not going to talk about here.”

Respecting the opponent

Seedorf emphasised that winning should always be accompanied by the right values.

He warned that a lack of respect towards opponents could have consequences in the future. According to him, showing humility in victory is just as important as performing well on the pitch.

“You have to win with the right values. I hope I’m wrong, but they showed attitudes that could pay later because respect is always needed. One should not provoke the pain of others,” he added.

On Vinicius and Ancelotti

The former midfielder also criticised Vinicius Jr.’s decision to take a penalty during the shootout. He suggested that the Brazilian forward appeared to be more focused on proving a point rather than acting in the best interest of the team.

Seedorf said Real Madrid players lacked respect. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“He took the penalty from Bellingham to prove something. He always lives this challenge he has inside. I thought it was weird that he took it.”

On the other hand, Seedorf had words of praise for Real Madrid’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti. He noted that the Italian manager demonstrated the right attitude by consoling Atletico Madrid’s players after the final whistle.

“He was consoling the opponent after the final whistle, that’s the example.”

According to Seedorf, this was an example of true sportsmanship. He contrasted Ancelotti’s behaviour with that of some Real Madrid players, who were reportedly reminded by club staff to tone down their celebrations.

“In contrast, the Madrid players were scolded more than once by the club’s workers, but they kept making gestures.

“I understand the joy, but it must be stressed that Ancelotti showed how to win, how you have to know how to win,” he added.