Former director warns Real Madrid over Vinicius-Alonso situation – ‘Always very dangerous’ | OneFootball

There has been much chatter in the Spanish media surrounding the relationship between Vinicius Jr. and Xabi Alonso, which appears to have hit rock bottom after the Clasico win over Barcelona.

After Vinicius was substituted in the 71st minute, he reacted angrily toward the bench and walked straight down the tunnel. In response, the Brazilian star posted a public apology on his social media, but not everyone is convinced by it.

One of them is Predrag ‘Pedja’ Mijatovic, who played for Real Madrid between 1996 to 1999 and was the club’s director of football between 2006 to 2009. Mijatovic scrutinized Vinicius’ apology statement, pointing out a critical flaw.

Mijatovic on Vinicius’ apology

While Mijatovic highlighted (h/t MARCA) that “it’s positive that Vinicius has apologised to the fans, president and teammates,” he stressed that “it’s strange not to mention the coach (Xabi Alonso), whom he also disrespected the other day in the Clasico.”

The former director suggested the statement was a calculated error. “I don’t know who made this statement to Vinicius, he probably has people looking after him, but he’s made a mistake… in my opinion,” he said.

Mijatovic believes the omission speaks volumes about the relationship between the player and his manager.

“Not naming the coach clearly shows that they don’t have much of a connection, not by a long shot. That is always very dangerous, both for the player and the coach,” he said.

Mijatovic on Xabi Alonso

Mijatovic, though, was mightily impressed with the way Xabi Alonso has handled the situation in front of the media.

“You know what? Xabi reacted fantastically well,” he said.

“And it surprised me, because he’s a young and inexperienced coach, but he didn’t react badly despite his strong personality. It wouldn’t have been so surprising coming from Ancelotti or another more veteran coach.”

Mijatovic believes Xabi Alonso has handled the situation well. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Regarding how the club must now manage the evolving situation, Mijatovic offered his own clear roadmap.

“First, with complete calm, knowing that the competitions continue and that you can’t spoil the atmosphere of a team that’s leading the league, where everyone has a great rapport. You can’t break this atmosphere over one player, but they have to resolve it.”

“Either demand that the two sit down and talk or by taking direct action. But always calmly and discussing things internally, without letting too much news get out,” he said.

Ultimately, Mijatovic’s biggest frustration was with the narrative. He argued that the incident is detracting from Real Madrid’s impressive win over Barcelona and the start they have made to the season.

“What would bother me about the club is if, two days after the Clasico, after the victory and being five points behind Barça, all anyone is talking about is Vinicius and his statement. I think it’s blowing way out of proportion,” he said.

“The decision and authority rest with the coach. While the players are the protagonists and Vinícius has brought us much joy, his behavior, especially in a Clásico that everyone watched, was unacceptable.

“No one can defend his actions, and his apology proves he was wrong. The coach must always be protected by the club, because the squad is made up of 20 other players.

“But above all, I think it’s excessive that two days after the Clásico, the only topic of conversation is Vinícius,” he concluded.