Xabi Alonso Comments on Vinicius Junior’s Current Situation

Real Madrid’s coach, Xabi Alonso, has signaled that Vinicius Junior might be feeling dissatisfied with his lack of playing time this season.

Insights Ahead of the Espanyol Match

As the team prepares for their upcoming match against Espanyol, Alonso was queried about the decision to keep the Brazilian forward on the sidelines during their recent Champions League victory over Olympique Marseille. He opened the press conference by saying, “He seems to be in good spirits. Observing him from a distance is quite different. Yesterday, I sensed it wasn’t the ideal moment to converse with him, but today he appeared to be smiling more and displaying a positive attitude.”

He further added, “I managed to have a chat with him and engaged in some tailored training exercises with him. We will see how things unfold tomorrow.”

Facing Espanyol

“Espanyol is performing well, and we are also energized and keen to carry this momentum forward. They pose a challenge with their speed and intensity, but playing at home, we aim to deliver a strong performance, showcase good football, and secure a victory.”

Dean Huijsen’s Unavailability

“I’m not surprised. I had hoped for a different outcome, but he won’t be able to play tomorrow. We couldn’t risk having him for 60 minutes, and it’s wiser to refrain from playing him if a mistake is made, as that should come with consequences.”

Fede Valverde’s Role

“Fede will take on a midfield role, which is where he excels. Recently, he provided exactly what the team required, and his contributions have been very selfless. He is vital to our system, and while I hope he won’t need to play as a right back, that’s not something I can rule out entirely.”

Kylian Mbappé’s Starting Status

“There are plenty of matches ahead, and if he doesn’t start any of them, he must remain composed. No player is expected to feature in every game. While his presence is crucial, we must be mindful of player workloads, and some will inevitably sit out. We’ve started five games, and we’ll have to wait to see how things develop.”

Vinicius’s Focus and Performance Issues

“There are many crucial players in our lineup. In terms of skills, experience, and what they contribute, Vinicius is among them, alongside Jude, Fede, Aurélien, Dean, Arda… I won’t delve into labels that might be placed on them. I value each player immensely, and I want everyone on the team to feel significant. We’re all in this together, and we need to support one another.”

Edouard Camavinga’s Position

“As a midfielder. He is exceptionally well-rounded and can fulfill multiple roles, much like Valverde. However, I see him primarily in the central areas, either as a six or eight. He possesses a range of skills that we need to incorporate into the team’s performance, both with and without the ball.”

Regaining Vinicius’s Form

“I saw him yesterday, and as I mentioned, it wasn’t the right moment for a discussion. Instinct plays a part here, and we had a brief conversation today. Remember, we are only five games into the league season. There’s still plenty ahead; this is a long journey that lasts until May. We need to approach this methodically.”

Anticipation of Reunion with Jose Mourinho

“I faced him during his time at Roma while I was at Leverkusen. It will hold special significance for him. Those three intense years were incredibly meaningful to me, and he has a deep affection for this club.”

Envisioning the Match

“Our previous matches have often been affected by various circumstances, mainly due to cards. However, I hope we can maintain a sense of control during extended periods of play. I want us to create opportunities and achieve stability, as that will foster emotional steadiness. If excitement overwhelms us… mistakes can easily occur. The longer we sustain these phases, the better for us.”

Contributions of Rodrygo

“He brings quality, a capacity to connect the play… and Vinicius has similar attributes. Whether starting or coming off the bench, he has positively influenced our games.”