Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso says he is keen to move on from the controversy surrounding winger Vinicius Junior, who will not be fined for his public display of frustration during El Clásico.
Alonso’s decision to substitute Vinicius, and the Brazilian’s furious reaction, have prompted a wave of drama and tension, including speculation of a summer departure for the winger and claims of growing frustrations towards Alonso from a number of players in the Madrid squad.
Vinicius has issued a public apology for his behavior but, intriguingly, did not mention Alonso in his statement, further fueling suggestions of a major rift between the two.
Asked whether Vinicius had apologized to him privately, Alonso told Friday’s press conference: “We had a meeting with everyone on Wednesday and Vinicius was impeccable. He spoke honestly and was very good. For me, it’s settled.
“It was a very valuable, very positive statement. He showed his honesty; he spoke from the heart. The most important thing is what he said, and I was very satisfied. The matter was closed on Wednesday.”
Reports have suggested Vinicius could face anything from a fine to an enforced spell on the sidelines as punishment for his actions, but Alonso was quick to confirm there will be no consequences for the winger.
“No, no punishment,” he stressed.
“I think I’ve already given enough explanations. I respect that your focus is there. It was settled on Wednesday. We’ve had a very good week. What worries me is Valencia. I understand you, but understand me too.”
Alonso: Important to Be Myself in Management
The revelations of disharmony in the Madrid squad, much of which relates to Alonso’s approach to management, has ensured the positivity from the 2–1 win over Barcelona quickly faded and left fans fearing an imminent crisis.
In the face of accusations that Alonso “thinks he’s Pep Guardiola” with his management style, the young boss insisted he has no plans to deviate away from his current approach.
“The most important thing is to be authentic, not to try to fake anything,” he said. “Always think about what’s best for the team. Always have a good relationship, within respect, but knowing that not everyone is the same. You have to have emotional intelligence.”
Asked whether he fears any of the disgruntled players in his squad could copy Vinicius’s public display of unhappiness, Alonso once again offered a diplomatic response.
“I think the team and everyone, Vinicius, is focused on what’s most important,” the boss concluded. “Everyone wants to be on the pitch. The focus is the same. We want to proceed safely.”
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Xabi Alonso Breaks Silence on Vinicius Junior ‘Feud’, El Clasico Tantrum.