Xabi Alonso insists he is happy with Vinicius Jr’s performances and played down talk of a rift with the Brazil international.
The forward was left out of the starting XI for the midweek Champions League win over Marseille but was restored to the side for the visit of Espanyol on Saturday. He lasted 77 minutes before making way for Rodrygo but was visibly annoyed at having been taken off despite Madrid leading 2-0 at the time.
Vinicius Jr had a relatively disappointing season in 2024/25 and continues to struggle for his best form. But Alonso is happy to stick with the 25-year-old ahead of tomorrow night’s La Liga clash at Levante.
“I am happy with what he is doing and we are starting [the season]. There is a lot left and he is important,” said the former Madrid and Spain midfielder.
“The other day they [the players] were all happy… for the victory and the feeling. And that’s what we need, to make a team. Everyone understands the role we want for the team.”
Asked about the player’s reaction to being substituted, Alonso added: “I’ve been a player and when they substituted me it wasn’t the best time. He took it with normality, naturalness. I don’t make a big deal out of this.”
Alonso not interested in Ballon d’Or
This time last year, Madrid made a very public show of support for Vinicius by not attending the Ballon d’Or ceremony after discovering he had lost out to Manchester City star Rodri.
But with Kylian Mbappe merely an outside chance this year, the club have opted to skip the event in Paris once again and focus on their La Liga commitments.
Alonso showed little interest when asked about whether he thought Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele would claim the award tonight.
“We’ll see… it’s not my topic. I’m not part of the jury. I haven’t thought much about this, I only think about Levante,” he said.
Alonso’s Madrid ticking over nicely
Madrid have very quietly opened the new season with a 100 per cent record and sit at the top of the table after five games.
They are still a work in progress but are gathering momentum, particularly with Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga both making their returns from injury as late substitutes at the weekend.
Having confirmed the pair could start at Levante, Alonso added: “We are better, but still in the construction phase. The other day we had a solid performance and that is showing the good things we are doing.
“We must show more ambition, though, be hungry. We will need a lot of points [to win the league] and therefore we must win many games.”
