Xabi Alonso has dismissed rumors of a dispute with Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, even though the Brazilian didn’t include him in a recent public apology.
In a heated moment during Sunday’s El Clasico, the 25-year-old forward expressed frustration when substituted with 18 minutes remaining. Despite this, Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over their fierce rivals, Barcelona, thanks to goals from Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.
Reports from Spain suggest that tensions between Vinicius Jr. and Alonso had escalated, with the Brazilian allegedly considering his position at the club due to what he deemed an ‘unsustainable conflict.’
Alonso, however, maintained support from the Real Madrid leadership throughout the incident and was noticeably absent from the player’s apology.
The 43-year-old Spaniard has since indicated that any friction has been resolved following a constructive team meeting earlier in the week.
Xabi Alonso has squashed any notion of an ongoing row with Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior
The pair clashed at the weekend as Alonso hauled him off during their 2-1 win over Barcelona
The Brazilian forward took to social media to apologise for his behaviour during Sunday’s victory – but directed his apology to fans, the club and Florentino Perez rather than his manager
Addressing the situation, Alonso remarked, “Did Vinicius apologize to me? We held a team meeting on Wednesday, and Vinicius was exemplary,” he shared, as they prepare to face Valencia this weekend.
‘He spoke honestly and was very good. For me, that settles the matter.’
When asked why he had been left out of the Brazilian’s apology, Alonso added: ‘It was a very valuable, very positive statement. He demonstrated his honesty; he spoke from the heart.
‘What he said was the most important thing, and I was very satisfied. I’ve already said it, I was very proud and the matter was settled on Wednesday itself.
‘We trained well yesterday, I see Vini doing well, and we’re all in the same boat and rowing in the same direction.
‘It’s closed. We have a match tomorrow and there will be no retaliation against him. I think the team, and everyone, including Vinicius, is focused on what’s most important.
‘Everyone wants to be on the pitch. The focus is the same. We want to proceed safely.’
Vinicius Jr, who has enjoyed a fruitful start to the campaign under Alonso with five goals and four assists from 10 league matches, wrote after Real Madrid’s 2-1 win on Wednesday: ‘Today, I want to apologise to all the Madridistas for my reaction when I was substituted in the Clasico.
During his loud tantrum, Vinicius could be heard furiously repeating: ‘I’m leaving the team’
Vinicius Jr did not react well to his substitution, saying ‘I’m leaving the team. It’s better if I leave – I’m leaving,’ before heading straight down the tunnel before soon returning back to the bench
‘Just as I have already done in person during today’s training, I also want to apologise again to my teammates, the club, and the president.
‘Sometimes passion gets the better of me because I always want to win and help my team. My competitive character stems from the love I feel for this club and everything it represents. I promise to keep fighting every second for the good of Real Madrid, as I have done since the first day.’
When Vinicius saw his number flash up on the board during El Clasico, he was seen repeatedly asking, ‘Me?!’ before calling out, ‘Coach, coach!’ as he reluctantly made his way to the bench.
While Alonso kept his distance, cameras caught him looking frustrated and muttering, ‘Come on, Vini, damn it…’
After shaking hands with his team-mate and close friend Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr’s protests grew louder.
‘Always me,’ he said, raising his arms and addressing Alonso’s assistant, Sebas Parrilla. ‘I’m leaving the team. It’s better if I leave – I’m leaving,’ he continued, before heading straight down the tunnel.
Despite Alonso’s calm demeanor with the press, it is claimed he was ‘seriously angry’ with Vinicius for his behaviour during El Clasico.
According to reports from The Athletic on Wednesday, there is a growing feeling in Real Madrid’s squad that Alonso has an inflated view of himself, with some players claiming the manager ‘thinks he’s Pep Guardiola’.
Jude Bellingham scored what proved to be the winner as Real Madrid beat rivals Barcelona 2-1
Players have reportedly grown frustrated by Alonso’s authoritarian regime on the training pitch
The outlet reported that Madrid’s squad, who were used to Carlo Ancelotti’s laid-back approach to management prior to his exit last summer, have struggled to adjust to Alonso’s more authoritarian regime.
Alonso called a meeting early in his tenure in which he laid down a new set of rules. He stressed the importance of punctuality, intensity and dedication in training while warning his squad that no one was guaranteed a starting place.
