Xabi Alonso responds to Vinicius frustration after substitution – ‘I’ll get myself into trouble if I answer’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has moved to downplay what appears to be growing frustration on the part of star forward Vinicius Junior, who is yet to complete 90 minutes this season, having been a fixture in the XI for the last three years.

The Brazilian walked off the pitch and went straight to the back of the bench with an angry expression, and no acknowledgement of his manager, albeit this did occur during a cooling break, meaning he did not walk past him as such. Alonso sympathised with Vinicius’ anger.

“I was a player, and when they took me off… it wasn’t the best time. I like to be close to the players, to speak about the games and how they felt. I took it normally, naturally. I’m not going to make a big deal out of it.”

Alonso ‘happy with what Vinicius is doing’

The Real Madrid manager went on to explain that importance of the collective, and that all of his players would be important.

“The other day, everyone was happy… with the win and the feeling. And that’s what we need: to be a team. Everyone understands the role we want for the team, that everyone has to contribute.”

On Vinicius’ performances specifically, Alonso was asked what Vinicius had to do to secure more minutes.

“I’m happy with what he’s doing, and we’re just getting started. There’s still a long way to go, and he has to feel important.”

‘I’ll get myself into trouble if I answer’ – Alonso

The Basque manager has rotated plenty over the opening weeks of the season, with Rodrygo Goes, Franco Mastantuono, Vinicius, Brahim Diaz and Arda Guler all flanking Kylian Mbappe at some point. Alonso was also asked which front three he had liked most so far in the opening six games of the season.

“This is a tough one to answer, and I’ll get myself into trouble if I do respond. I’m happy, and we need everyone. We need to improve in some areas, that’s clear. But there’s a foundation that’s being built, and it’s going to be solid for the rest of the season. Some could have scored more goals, others are waiting for the first… but everyone is eager to do well.”

Image via Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images

With Alonso asserting that all of his players would be rotated and were important, it was pointed out that Mbappe, Alvaro Carreras and Aurelien Tchouameni were yet to spend much time off the pitch.

“They’re important, and we’ve only played six games. There’ll be a time for everything, and they’ll be part of the rotation. Don’t ask me when… but they will. So far, it’s been a short period. We’ll see with more time.”

Los Blancos head to Valencia on Tuesday night to face Levante at 21:30 CEST. Following a perfect start, Real Madrid will be looking to apply more pressure to Barcelona, and go into the Madrid derby next weekend with a win.