The Brazilian started on the bench Tuesday evening against Olympique de Marseille. It was only the second time that Vinicius had not been home in the Champions League for the Merengues since 2019, which testifies to the extent of the change. Alonso's choices seem to indicate that Vinicius has the same importance in his eyes as in Carlo Ancelotti.
Naturally, Vinicius was one of the main discussion subjects at the Alonso pre-match press conference on Friday, before the shock against Espanyol. Alonso as Vinicius were asked.
I saw him yesterday and, as I said, it was not time to discuss. You have to have a little intuition, and we discussed a little today. But we are only in 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 told Marca.
He was also asked how he intended to get the most out of Vinicius.
“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. “
Vinicius is not an indisputable holder.
It has also been suggested that loss of status could have a negative impact on Vinicius.
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 will not dwell on the labels that we want to stick to them for the moment. I appreciate a lot of them and I want the whole team to feel important. Everyone is in the same boat, and we need everyone to get in the same direction. »»
“Its impact was very positive” – Alonso about Rodrygo
Of course, these bets on the Vinicius bench allowed Rodrygo Goes to take its place. Alonso said he was satisfied with his performance.
“Its quality, its ability to progress, its ability to create links (are what it brings us) … But Vini also has that. As well at the start of the match and out of the bench, its impact was very positive. »»
Rodrygo gave an interview earlier in the week, stressing that he had “crossed a very difficult period” and thanking the predecessor of Alonso, Carlo Ancelotti, for his help during this period. With the two men in competition for the same place for the first time in several years, the battle promises to be intense.
