Why Xabi Alonso and Vinicius need to make peace after the Clasico fallout | OneFootball

One of the many headline-catching developments in the recent El Clasico was Vinicius Jr.’s altercation with Xabi Alonso during the time of his substitution – a situation that did not leave a pretty image of the relationship between the duo.

On seeing his name go up on the assistant’s board signalling that his time on the field had come to an end, the Brazilian star did not hold back and made his displeasure very clear to the manager and everyone on the field.

He hit out at Alonso, complained deeply about how he was frustrated with constantly being hooked off, and stormed into the dressing room before eventually coming back.

Since then, however, word has it that all is not well between the manager and player, with reports even suggesting that they might find it difficult to coexist if the situation does not improve.

From Real Madrid’s perspective, the situation is deeply worrying and unfavourable as the rift between the manager and a star player does not bode well. It is, after all, in both Alonso and Vinicius’ best interest to put it aside and move on from the episode.

From Alonso’s perspective

With Alonso, Vini has lost his ‘undisputed’ status. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Alonso arrived at Real Madrid with a clear idea of not maintaining any favourites so as to equitably distribute minutes based on merit.

Vinicius on that front, has come a long way on the manager’s pecking order from initially being benched without hesitation to now taking the role of a bonafide starter.

Alonso cannot be faulted for opting to substitute the player out on occasion, especially given how Kylian Mbappe’s form essentially renders him irreplaceable. 

Maintaining anger toward the Brazilian for his reaction and punishing him, however, may not be the route forward either given how it could easily affect the player’s future at the club.

Vinicius is one of the best players on the planet in his position and has been steadily regaining form over the past few weeks to return to being a game-changer for the team.

Going forward, he will be one of the pillars of Alonso’s project and the manager must not look to aggravate the already inflamed situation until it becomes irreparable.

From the player’s perspective

Vinicius needs to set an example for others. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Vinicius has always been one to not mince his words and filter his thoughts before broadcasting them, and it is precisely that habit that has gotten him into trouble on numerous occasions.

While the player’s disappointment at being substituted was indeed understandable and natural, the 25-year-old megastar is now past that stage in his career where he can be given a pass on it.

Now already one of the leaders of the dressing room and a captain of the team, one expects him to lead from the front and such overt display of his frustration does not set a good example.

It is high time Vinicius understands the responsibility that comes with being a club mainstay and acts per his post in the dressing room. Making a massive issue of the recent event, thus, will not serve him well.

If the player does indeed dream of winning the Ballon d’Or one day, professional conduct and a positive attitude form fundamental criteria in addition to mere trophies. It is, thus, high time he begins working on that aspect of his personality and builds his legacy.

Conclusion

At this point, there is little to gain from letting the tension drag on. Real Madrid have bigger battles ahead than a standoff between their coach and one of their brightest stars.

Both are too important to the club’s immediate future to let pride get in the way. If they can put this behind them, the team wins, the fans win, and both men protect their own legacies.