Liverpool legend blames 25-year-old Real Madrid star for Alonso’s dismissal: ‘Biggest embarrassment’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid delivered one of their most emphatic performances of the season with a crushing 6-1 victory over AS Monaco, a night defined by a Man of the Match display from Vinicius Jr. 

More than just the scoreline, the performance reshaped the dynamic between the Brazilian forward and the Santiago Bernabeu crowd.

Vinicius was at the heart of everything positive for Madrid, responding on the pitch after a difficult week marked by criticism and scrutiny. 

Criticism from a Liverpool great

However, in the build-up to the game, debate around Vinicius had intensified following strong comments from Jamie Carragher. 

Speaking on the CBS Sports Golazo analysis show, the former Liverpool defender openly criticised the Brazilian and defended Xabi Alonso, who was recently sacked by Real Madrid. 

“The reason it’s Vinicius (who is at the centre of the controversy) is because he’s the biggest problem. 

“He is one of the biggest embarrassments that caused the coach to lose his job.”

Carragher then revisited an incident from earlier in the season during El Clasico. He described Vinicius’ reaction after being substituted late in the game.

“In the match against Barcelona, which Real Madrid won, he was taken off late in the game. 

“The coach was trying to secure the result, to make sure they won. Vinicius got angry, started gesticulating, throwing his arms around, saying he wouldn’t sign a new contract while Alonso was still there.”

Criticising the apology

According to Carragher, the situation escalated further after the match. He claimed Vinicius issued an apology that avoided addressing the coach directly.

“Then he released a statement after the game apologising to the fans, apologising to the players, but not apologising to the coach.”

Carragher went on to frame Alonso’s dismissal as a consequence of the club hierarchy, adding.

“That’s why Alonso lost his job, because Pérez, the owner, is terrified that one of the best players in the world won’t sign a new contract. 

“And we know that at Real Madrid, it’s the coach who’s expendable, not the players. That’s how it works.”

There is more to it

The criticism did not stop there. Referring to footage that showed Vinicius visibly affected by boos ahead of the match against Levante, Carragher was blunt.

“Don’t start crying in the tunnel. That’s why he was fired. I know that’s how it works. 

“No sympathy. What I’m saying is that the fans are already against them, basically.”

He closed by contextualising Alonso’s situation at the club, while doubling down on his stance.

“Xabi Alonso was a Real Madrid legend, not as a coach, but as a player, and he won the Champions League there. He also won the league. 

“Obviously, he’s a top-level young coach, learning his way. Other players have done it in the past and the coach has lost his job. 

“Alonso knows that. He knows what he’s up against. But don’t start crying in the tunnel. My God.”