Xabi Alonso speaks on Vinícius Jr. being dropped to bench for Real Madrid vs Elche | OneFootball

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has moved to play down the significance of Vinícius Jr. being benched for the club’s latest outing.

Real are of course fresh off an altogether underwhelming performance and result alike.

After making the trip to Alicante to take on Elche, Los Blancos were forced to settle for a share of the spoils, in a 2-2 draw.

The aforementioned Vinícius Jr. was left to watch on from the bench from the off, before being introduced to proceedings with the visitors searching for a much-needed goal during the 2nd-half.

Compatriot Rodrygo, in the midst of a frankly alarming dry stretch in front of goal, was instead chosen to join Kylian Mbappé in attack.

Speaking to the media post-match, it therefore came as little surprise when the subject of his call to drop Vinícius was put to Xabi Alonso.

And Real Madrid’s headmaster simply went on to explain:

“Viní on the bench? I spoke to him, and he understood his role today. He’s invested in the team.”

Conor Laird – GSFN