Source: BBC Football
Vinicius Jr no longer feels ‘untouchable’ – so what’s going on?ByGuillem BalagueBBC Sport ColumnistPublished30 October 2025Vinicius Jr’s frustrated reaction when he was substituted against Barcelona was not a sign of total rebellion or a hint at an immediate departure.It was, however, another reflection of a growing tension between the Brazilian star and his Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso – one that will need delicate management if it’s not to escalate further.Is he really thinking of leaving?Yes, or at least he has thought about it.When Vinicius muttered “I’m going to leave this team” as he was replaced in Sunday’s El Clasico win, it wasn’t a new thought. That idea had already surfaced at the end of the last transfer window.No formal offer ever arrived, and those close to the player later recognised the comments were largely emotional, a reaction to a clash with Xabi Alonso before the Club World Cup match against Paris St-Germain.Still, it reflects the player’s sense that something fundamental has changed. Vinicius no longer feels “untouchable”. Under Carlo Ancelotti, he had the freedom to express himself, to improvise, to lead by instinct, and be the creative heartbeat of a side that often revolved around him. Under Xabi Alonso, the environment is more structured, or if you listen to some representative of some players, ‘more rigid’ – a clear tactic to undermine what is being done.The Basque coach has come to Real Madrid to impose structure, to create consistency and positional discipline, a team with defined patterns and shared responsibility. Many in the dressing room, Vini Jr included, are still adjusting. For them, Xabi Alonso’s methods feel unfamiliar and less forgiving. For the coach, that structure is non-negotiable after a season of underachievement. It is the style he believes in and that brought him to the club.Has he fallen out with Xabi Alonso?Image source,Getty ImagesImage caption,Vinicius Jr apologised to Real Madrid fans, but his statement did not directly mention Real Madrid manager Xabi AlonsoThere has been tension and, at times, the atmosphere has been cold between Vinicius and Xabi Alonso, and he did not reference his manager in his apology on Wednesday afternoon.The incident that defined the current mood came in the final training session before the Club World Cup semi-final against PSG. Vini, who had started every match until then, was told he would be a substitute. He did not take it well and Xabi Alonso stood firm, determined to show that no player, however talented, is beyond instruction.That dynamic has continued.The manager has insisted Vinicius will not finish every game, that he needs to rest more, and Rodrygo will challenge him for a place on the left side of the attack. Xabi Alonso’s stance is rooted in authority and planning. Vini Jr, used to being indulged, has found it hard to adapt.The coach’s approach is consistent with the way he was as a player: methodical, controlled and, on top of that, he has the personalit…
Published: 2025-10-30T07:57:19
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