Xabi Alonso Addresses Vinicius Jr’s Situation Ahead of Valencia Match

Real Madrid’s coach, Xabi Alonso, faced a barrage of inquiries regarding Vinicius Jr during his press conference this morning. Leading up to the home match against Valencia, Alonso discussed not only the upcoming LaLiga encounter but also offered insights on the recent El Clasico win over Barcelona.

Reflecting on the El Clasico Victory

The recent 2-1 victory was somewhat overshadowed by Vinicius Jr’s emotional outburst following his substitution at the 72-minute mark. The young Brazilian has since expressed his remorse about his behavior, though he notably did not refer to Alonso in his public apology issued on Wednesday.

Team Preparedness

Current Team Status

After a promising start last week, the team is gearing up for another challenging period, with two league matches along with a Champions League clash on the horizon. Alonso emphasized the importance of maintaining high energy levels, starting with the match against Valencia.

Vinicius’s Apology

The Apology Meeting

“There was a team meeting on Wednesday,” Alonso noted, “and Vinicius was very composed. He spoke genuinely and from the heart, which I considered sufficient to close the issue.”

Absence of Mentioning the Coach

When it was pointed out that Vinicius’s statement did not include Alonso’s name, the coach remarked, “His statement held significant value. It reflected his honesty and sincerity. I am pleased with what he conveyed, and we consider the matter resolved as of Wednesday.”

Tactical Adjustments in the Clásico

Strategy behind Camavinga’s Role

Alonso explained the rationale behind the substitution involving Eduardo Camavinga during the Clásico. “We recognized it as one of our strengths, applicable in various strategic contexts, especially against our specific opponent. It was effective both tactically and mentally, forming a basis for future successes. The insights gained from the Clásico will assist us moving forward.”

Focus on Upcoming Matches

Preparation for Valencia

When asked if the schedule for tomorrow would hint at plans for the Tuesday match, Alonso clarified, “My entire focus is on tomorrow’s game against Valencia. Dropping points in any league fixture is a real concern. Valencia managed a win at the Bernabéu last year, and Rayo is known for their tactical versatility. We need to remain vigilant, especially following a significant victory which can sometimes lead to complacency.”

Significance of Clásico Win

Alonso stressed the significance of the Clásico win, stating, “We emphasized its importance prior to the match as it plays a vital role in boosting the team’s confidence. Nonetheless, we must quickly shift our focus to the subsequent fixtures. Any lapse in our preparation could result in lost points, which is not something we desire.”

Reviewing El Clásico

“Yes, I have rewatched the Clásico,” he confirmed. “Many of our strategies were successful, and the team’s determination was palpable. Their anticipation of situations highlighted our strengths.”

Player Management Approach

Authentic Leadership

On managing the dressing room, Alonso stated the key is being genuine. “It’s crucial to be true to oneself and focus on what benefits the team. Maintaining good relationships based on respect is necessary, but it’s important to recognize that not every player is the same. Emotional intelligence is invaluable in these situations.”

Vinicius and Contract Negotiations

When asked about possible distractions for Vinicius concerning contract discussions, Alonso responded, “He appears very focused and motivated. His previous match performance was excellent.”

Monitoring Player Fatigue

Kylian Mbappé’s Minutes

Addressing the concerns over Mbappé’s playing time, Alonso remarked, “I am always cautious about not overexerting our players. It’s essential to consider their physical demands. Kylian has been well-managed so far, and the future will guide our decisions.”

Injury Concerns

Dani Carvajal’s Situation

Alonso shared unexpected news regarding Dani Carvajal’s fitness. “Carva performed well for 20 minutes, but receiving a call from the doctor the following day about his condition was surprising. We will certainly miss him; the estimate is a recovery period of seven to eight weeks as we await his return.”

Endrick’s Playing Time

Alonso expressed a desire for Endrick to have logged more game time, stating, “I would have liked to give him more opportunities. While he has been training well, the situation has not allowed for it so far.”

Future Outlook

Preventing Recurrences

As for concerns regarding potential further issues like Vinicius’s outburst, Alonso concluded, “I believe everyone, including Vinicius, is focused on our primary goals. Our collective ambition is to play and ensure safety in performance.”