Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso saw no issue with benching superstar winger Vinicius Junior for a second time in just five matches against Olympique Marseille on Tuesday night. The Brazilian has gone from a guaranteed starter for Los Blancos to another option for Alonso at the start of this season.
Rodrygo Goes started ahead of Vinicius, as was the case against Real Oviedo in Los Blancos second La Liga game. He came on and forced a penalty, which ended with Kylian Mbappe converted to win the match. As per Cadena SER, this is the first time that Vinicius has not started a home Champions League match at the Santiago Bernabeu since 2019, the one exception being a clash at Valdebebas the following season. It is also the first time he is on the bench in any Champions League game for Real Madrid since 2022.
It was no surprise that Alonso was asked about it after the match, and he said that Vinicius should not take offence at being on the bench.
“We’re in a very demanding moment and we need everyone. We want everyone connected, Vini, Mastantuono, Rodrygo… Have I spoken with Vini? That’s staying at Valdebebas, but there will be moments for everyone. Nobody should feel offended by being left on the bench. And the substitutions are having a very positive impact on the game,” he told Marca.
It does not seem insignificant that it was leaked on Monday night that Vinicius was unhappy with his new role under Alonso, feeling he has lost importance. In all three of his starts, Vinicius has come off too. Diario AS explain that Alonso is keen for Vinicius to provide all of his attacking prowess, but wants to see him match the defensive output of his teammates. Meanwhile he had promised Rodrygo that he would be given the chance to compete for Vinicius’ position.
One of the questions facing Alonso at Real Madrid is how he will handle the star personalities at the Santiago Bernabeu. The coexistence between Rodrygo and Vinicius looked awkward from the outset, but Alonso has a tricky balance to strike between the two this season.