Xabi Alonso admitted a “conversation” is coming with Vinícius Júnior after the Brazil international lost his head when he was subbed out of El Clásico but stressed that there would be no serious “problem.”
Vinícius seemingly could not believe his eyes when Alonso signaled for the winger to come off the pitch in the 72nd minute of Real Madrid’s 2–1 victory over Barcelona. Rodrygo stood waiting for the like-for-like change, much to the dismay of his fellow countryman.
Muttering to himself and throwing his arms in the air, Vinícius reluctantly made his way to the touchline, shaking his head and continuing to rattle off a flurry of words. The 25-year-old then walked right by Alonso, who would not even look at his superstar player, and headed straight down the tunnel.
After the match, Alonso weighed in on the fit thrown by his No. 7: “Vini’s character? All coaches know there are different personalities. Now we will enjoy [the win], then we’ll have a conversation in the dressing room, of course.”
Despite the looming confrontation coming between the Spaniard and Vinícius, Alonso still insisted there is “no problem.”
The Brazilian has been at odds with his new manager multiple times this season, making it very obvious how he felt about being benched in Real Madrid’s Champions League opener, as well as being taken out of games earlier than he would have liked.
