‘I didn’t connect with him’ – Vinicius Junior opens up on rocky Xabi Alonso relationship
‘I didn’t connect with him’ – Vinicius Junior opens up on rocky Xabi Alonso relationship Vinicius Junior has confirmed that he did not see eye to eye with Xabi Alonso during the latter’s time at Real Madrid. The two had a public spat when the Brazilian was taken off during El Clasico in October, and despite public proclamations to the contrary, it appears their relations remained cold. Alonso brought Vinicius off with Real Madrid 2-1 up during El Clasico, and Vinicius, enraged, walked off the pitch saying ‘Always me, I’m better off leaving [the club].
’ The incident is widely cited in the definitive turning point for the worse of Alonso’s tenure, when his relations with the dressing room began to break down. Speaking ahead of Los Blancos’ clash with Bayern Munich, Vinicius confirmed their rocky relations. “I played matches, but not many minutes.
Every coach has their own methods, and I didn’t connect with him the way he wanted. But it was a learning experience, and I hope I can continue playing under Arbeloa, as I have a wonderful connection with him and he’s always given me confidence. ” Vinicius on Clasico incident More specifically on his dramatic substitution, Vinicius admitted that he was in the wrong.
Notably, during his public apology, he omitted Alonso’s name. “It wasn’t a nice moment, and I apologised to everyone. I like to play every game, and I didn’t come off in any of them.
Later, with a clear head, you can understand that you made a mistake. I’m young, and every day is a new experience where you can improve. ” ‘I have a special connection with Arbeloa’ Earlier in the press conference, Vinicius confirmed that he intended to renew his contract with Real Madrid , something manager Alvaro Arbeloa is believed to have had a hand in.