The chief's surprise. On Tuesday morning, the main Spanish media announced that Vinicius Junior would hold against Olympique de Marseille during the 1st day of the Champions League. But El Chiringuito said in the morning that the Brazilian would finally be on the bench. A news that has finally confirmed an hour before kick -off. Xabi Alonso has decided to leave the international Auriverde on the bench. It had no connection with any injury. It was a choice of the Madrid coach, who preferred to bet on Rodrygo to accompany Kylian Mbappé and Franco Mastanuono on the front of the attack.
Vini Jr is no longer untouchable
Vini Jr finally came into play in the 63rd minute in place of Rodrygo. His performance was not necessarily exceptional, since the player appeared rather extinguished. But he was behind the second penalty granted to Real Madrid after Facundo Medina's hand in the area. Asked about it after the meeting, Xabi Alonso was clear: “There will be a moment for everyone. No one can play all games, and no one should be offended if he's on the bench. We need the whole group because the calendar is very demanding. ” Yesterday, the Spanish press said that the coach had met the player before the meeting to warn him that he would not be in the eleven as well as explain his plan of attack to him
Pay attention that the Brazilian appreciated. This Friday, his case was again put on the table during the press conference of Xabi Alonso. The former midfielder was clear: “Vinicius seems to me in good shape. Yesterday was not the time to speak to him, but today, he seemed more positive and more smiling. I told him, not much. We did some individual exercises. We will see tomorrow. “ Tomorrow, he will know whether or not he will start a new meeting on the bench. This was the case against Real Sociedad and OM. Rodrygo, who wants to make a place on the left wing and therefore compete with his Brazilian compatriot; was preferred to him.
Xabi Alonso assumes his choice and reaches out to him
The attacker pleases Xabi Alonso, who explained his choice to tenure him rather than Vini. “Its quality, its ability to move forward, its ability to create links … But Vini also has that. Whether in the starting eleven or out of the bench, its impact was very positive. ” Vinicius Junior is therefore concerned with being done. But nothing is lost for him. His coach held his hand publicly. “I saw him yesterday, and it's not time to chat, as I said. You have to have a little intuition, and we have discussed a bit today. But we only have five championship games. There is still a long way to go; It is a marathon until May. You have to go step by step. “
He then added: “For me, there are many important players in this team. By their level, their experience, their record and what they will bring us. Vinicius is one of them, just like Jude, Fede, Aurélien, Dean, Arda … I'm not going to enter the labels that we want to stick for the moment. I appreciate everyone a lot and I want the whole team to feel important. Everyone is in the same boat, and we need everyone to shoot the same direction. ” While the file extends to Real Madrid does not really seem to be moving forward, Vinicius Junior will have to fight for his place. What he had already done in the past, especially under the orders of Zinedine Zidane and then Carlo Ancelotti, who knew how to get the most out. Xabi Alonso hopes to do the same.
