"Have to look for thousands of ways to be able to stop him" - Mallorca star on facing Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr in Spanish Super Cup clash

Mallorca captain Sergi Darder has spoken about Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr ahead of their upcoming Spanish Super Cup clash. Both sides are set to face off in the Supercopa de Espana semi-final at the King Abdullah Sports City in Saudi Arabia tomorrow (January 9).

The 31-year-old captain discussed Mallorca's opponents ahead of the game, admitting that they would need to put much of their defensive focus on Vinicius. In an interview with El Larguero, he called the Brazilian "one of the best in the world" and said (via Madrid Universal):

“We have to look for everything we can within our legal power, obviously, to stop him [Vinicius]… We have to look for thousands of ways to be able to stop him, obviously, as long as there is respect."

Darder also spoke about the winger's personality and issues on the pitch, adding:

“From the outside, we try to enjoy him as a player… I’m nobody to give him advice, so if his coach [Carlo Ancelotti] says he’s doing much better, well, we’ll have to listen to him.

“But the less trouble he gets into, the more he’ll surely show off his talent… We can’t expect all players to be the same."

Vinicius Jr has come under scrutiny for his attitude after he was shown a red card in Real Madrid's 2-1 win against Valencia on January 3.

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Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti's response to Vinicius Jr red card against Valencia

Vinicius Jr notably picked up a red card in Real Madrid's 2-1 win over Valencia after shoving goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski near the face. His teammates had to drag him towards the tunnel to keep him from lashing out at the referee and picking up heavier sanctions.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti spoke about the winger and admitted there were no issues with the 24-year-old Brazilian. After their 5-0 win against Deportivo Minera in the Copa del Rey Round of 32 on January 6, the manager told the press (via the official club website):

“We don't think they're going to ban him. He doesn't need an arm round, because he's taken us to lift two Champions League trophies and he's one of the best players in the world. He's already loved by everyone at Real Madrid and that's why he's performing so well.”

Following the red card, Vinicius Jr has been banned for two domestic league games. He has played in the Copa del Rey match against Deportivo Minera, and will be available for their match against Mallorca.

However, he will not play in upcoming games against Las Palmas (January 19) and Real Valladolid (January 25).