Real Madrid star frustrated with new role under Xabi Alonso – ‘Before it wasn’t even a question’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid have made a positive start to the season under Xabi Alonso, but not everyone is feeling quite so enamoured with the Basque manager. Los Blancos have won nine of their ten games under Alonso, and this season has seen Los Blancos start perfectly.

Perhaps the star name with the most doubts surrounding their name this summer was Rodrygo Goes, who ended up remaining at the club, and requesting that he be allowed to compete for his spot with Vinicius. Thus far Rodrygo has started just once this campaign. That would imply that Vinicius is winning the battle for his spot, but he too isn’t entirely happy with Alonso.

Vinicius Junior frustrated with Xabi Alonso

Image via Europa Press

That is according to El Chiringuito, who say that Vinicius is not happy with the change of role he is experiencing under Alonso. So far Alonso has started Vinicius from the bench once, but has also brought him off on three occasions. Against La Real on Saturday, Vinicius was the second substitute, sacrificed so Alonso could go for a more defensive approach. Alonso praised Vinicius’ defensive effort, despite not managing a shot on goal.

Marcos Benito has explained that Vinicius has assumed his new role as the second in line to the throne which Kylian Mbappe sits on, but feels that his efforts in that regard have not been rewarded by Alonso. Vinicius, although he is no longer the main man, no longer feels assured of his starting spot, and feels this is unjust. Last season, not starting did not cross his mind.

Real Madrid stars have praised Alonso

During the international break, Kylian Mbappe spoke positively about Alonso’s impact, while Aurelien Tchouameni has also praised the new man in charge at the Bernabeu. That said, this is little surprise as both have been among the main beneficiaries of Alonso’s arrival at the club, hitting their best form in years.