Xabi Alonso has squashed the notion of an ongoing row with Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, despite being left out of the Brazilian's public apology this week.
The 25-year-old forward reacted furiously to being substituted with 18 minutes to go during Sunday's El Clasico, which saw Real Madrid beat bitter rivals Barcelona 2-1 thanks to goals from Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.
It was revealed earlier this week that Vinicius Jr's decaying relationship with Alonso had reached boiling point, with reports in Spain claiming that the Brazilian viewed it as an 'unsustainable conflict' and was considering leaving the club as a result.
In the wake of his touchline tantrum, Vinicius Jr took to social media to apologise for his behaviour to fans, the club and even Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.
Alonso, who is understood to have retained the full backing of Real Madrid's hierarchy during the row, was a notable omission in the apology.
The Spaniard, 43, has now claimed the two of them are now on good terms, after a productive team meeting during the week.
'Has Vinicius apologised to me? We had a meeting with everyone on Wednesday, and Vinicius was impeccable,' Alonso said ahead of Real Madrid's clash with Valencia this weekend.
'He spoke honestly and was very good. For me, that settles the matter.'
When asked why he had been left out of the Brazilian's apology, Alonso added: 'It was a very valuable, very positive statement. He demonstrated his honesty; he spoke from the heart.
'What he said was the most important thing, and I was very satisfied. I've already said it, I was very proud and the matter was settled on Wednesday itself.
'We trained well yesterday, I see Vini doing well, and we're all in the same boat and rowing in the same direction.
'It's closed. We have a match tomorrow and there will be no retaliation against him. I think the team, and everyone, including Vinicius, is focused on what's most important.
'Everyone wants to be on the pitch. The focus is the same. We want to proceed safely.'
Vinicius Jr, who has enjoyed a fruitful start to the campaign under Alonso with five goals and four assists from 10 league matches, wrote after Real Madrid's 2-1 win on Wednesday: 'Today, I want to apologise to all the Madridistas for my reaction when I was substituted in the Clasico.
'Just as I have already done in person during today's training, I also want to apologise again to my teammates, the club, and the president.
'Sometimes passion gets the better of me because I always want to win and help my team. My competitive character stems from the love I feel for this club and everything it represents. I promise to keep fighting every second for the good of Real Madrid, as I have done since the first day.'
When Vinicius saw his number flash up on the board during El Clasico, he was seen repeatedly asking, ‘Me?!’ before calling out, ‘Coach, coach!’ as he reluctantly made his way to the bench.
While Alonso kept his distance, cameras caught him looking frustrated and muttering, ‘Come on, Vini, damn it…’
After shaking hands with his team-mate and close friend Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr's protests grew louder.
‘Always me,’ he said, raising his arms and addressing Alonso’s assistant, Sebas Parrilla. ‘I’m leaving the team. It’s better if I leave – I’m leaving,’ he continued, before heading straight down the tunnel.
Despite Alonso's calm demeanor with the press, it is claimed he was 'seriously angry' with Vinicius for his behaviour during El Clasico.
According to reports from The Athletic on Wednesday, there is a growing feeling in Real Madrid's squad that Alonso has an inflated view of himself, with some players claiming the manager 'thinks he's Pep Guardiola'.
The outlet reported that Madrid's squad, who were used to Carlo Ancelotti's laid-back approach to management prior to his exit last summer, have struggled to adjust to Alonso's more authoritarian regime.
Alonso called a meeting early in his tenure in which he laid down a new set of rules. He stressed the importance of punctuality, intensity and dedication in training while warning his squad that no one was guaranteed a starting place.
Fiwbekmpr
0
That's why you can't be Vini Jnr. Nobody is bigger than the club. Even if he was angry with the substitution, he should have handled it with wisdom. Walk out of the pitch gently and join his teammates on the bench. Throwing tantrums and challenging the coach publicly was very disrespectful and paints Real Madrid in bad light. He should have been punished. At a good time, he should have approached Alonso and ask him for explanations as to why he was substituted and he would explain to him. Alonso is not his mate and has also played the game at the highest level before he became a coach. He deserves some respect from the players.
Fiwbekmpr
0
What are you saying? At the moment, Mbappe is much more important in the team than Vini Jnr. Why? Mbappe's intelligence and skill set makes him a utility player. Across the frontline, he can play anywhere. Stats also show that he has created the most chances of all Real Madrid players, he has taken the most shots and the most shots on target. Take away the penalties, he has the most goals. He has done all these playing away from his favoured left wing. On the other hand, Vini Jnr cannot be useful to Real Madrid if he's taken away from the left wing. It is because of Vini Jnr that Mbappe has been asked as a 9. Yet, he compares himself with Mbappe. Just like Mbappe, Rodrygo is comfortable playing through the left, middle or the right. He and Mbappe are flexible with their positions and contributions. But it doesn't seem to be the same thing with Vini Jnr. Football is a team sport. There's need for unity and understanding. There's also need for compromise and sacrifices. Vini Jnr should make sacrifices for the team and show compromise without complaining or questioning the coach publicly. The coach is the commander-in-chief of the team. Alonso has played the game at the highest level before he became a coach. As a coach, he broke the monopoly of the Bundelisga by Bayern Munich and won the league and DFB Pokal unbeaten. Same season, he also got to the final of the UEFA Europa League unbeaten only to lose to a very good Atalanta team. He's no more a baby coach and deserves some respect. I understand Vini Jnr has contributed so much to the successes of Real Madrid in the last few years. But so has Alonso as a player. When he took over, he had a meeting with the team and laid down his rules. He made it clear that nobody is a starter, that everyone has to earn their place in the starting lineup. It is because of Vini Jnr that Rodrygo sits on the bench. And on the occasions Rodrygo came on as a substitute for Vini Jnr, he (Rodrygo) didn't throw tantrums or challenge the coach publicly. Vini Jnr disrespected Alonso and he's lucky to get away with it. He apologised to the fans, to his teammates and to the president. He should learn to be humble and above all, do his talking on pitch by scoring goals, creating chances and giving assists. That is the only thing that will endear him to Alonso and to the fans. And he will surely climb to the top where he desires. Hala Madrid!
Buhbklmor
0
it's not closed. next week, u guys will see vini will be again subed.
sitbikmsyz
0
sitbikmsyz
0
Rodrygo
sitbikmsyz
1
Rodrygo
DrHalaMsdrid
1
Sell the boy …. He has no more impact on the team only disruptions to it’s his foul attitude and meaningless ego He think he’s CR7 …. Bro is not even OBERTAN !!!
Mirgod
1
Ancelloti spoiled them a bit. Good thing Alonso is a certified legend and tactical genius, if not he would have lost the dressing room.
chinelson
0
this is nonsense if I was vin I was not going to a progy I mean he's not the one who was suppose to do so but the club should have just tell him if they don't want him anymore then let him go to look another future because mmm he didn't do anything wrong hes fighting for his freedom on the pitch
thank God you are not Vini. i hope that's the same way you treat your workers if you are the boss or you treat your boss if you are the worker.
bescdklst
0
this is nonsense if I was vin I was not going to a progy I mean he's not the one who was suppose to do so but the club should have just tell him if they don't want him anymore then let him go to look another future because mmm he didn't do anything wrong hes fighting for his freedom on the pitch
Real Madrid as players anyone can be sub everyone in the team deserve the starting xi and if vini is luck to start ahead rodrygo no issues allow the young Rodrygo play couple of minutes too he’s excellent as well even Mbappe was sub this is Madrid no one is above our club
Emmysomto
0
Vini reacted well but too much Xabi always react well cos he is intelligent. press just making noise what Xabi want is to win period
huuaekmnrt
7
Alonso should take it easy and be more tactical in managing his players. Madrid is far bigger than Leverkusen and should not equate it in managing them. Again, Vini jr initiate much of the attack that results to Mbape's goals and should not be made lower than Mbape.
Zaekorsu
1
this is nonsense if I was vin I was not going to a progy I mean he's not the one who was suppose to do so but the club should have just tell him if they don't want him anymore then let him go to look another future because mmm he didn't do anything wrong hes fighting for his freedom on the pitch
bashfmcngu
2
pls Xabi forgive him, he's still young but pls warn him such attitude never happen again.
AFerPvxp8676
0
Manager Vs the player battle of the egos
Didn’t you read
ksantos
0
Manager Vs the player battle of the egos