Manager says the forward’s apology was “very positive” and the “matter is settled”
Xabi Alonso has declared the situation involving Vinicius Junior “closed” after the Real Madrid forward apologised for his angry reaction to being substituted during last weekend’s clásico win over Barcelona.
Vinicius remonstrated against Alonso’s decision on the pitch when replaced by Rodrygo in the 72nd minute of Sunday’s 2-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu. He then headed straight down the tunnel, although he later reappeared shortly before full-time.
The Brazil international issued an apology to the fans earlier this week and said he had also apologised in the dressing room.
Alonso moved to defuse the issue when it was brought up in his press conference on Friday, confirming that Vinicius had addressed the squad privately earlier in the week.
“On Wednesday we had a meeting with all the players and Vinicius was very good, impeccable,” said Alonso. “He spoke from the heart, with sincerity, and for me the matter is settled.”
In Vinicius’ public apology, the fans, his teammates, and the club president were all mentioned but Alonso was left out. Reports are that it was deliberate, as the player was still feeling hurt by the manager’s decision.
But Alonso said: “For me, it was a very valuable, very positive statement, in which Vinicius showed honesty. What matters is what he said to his teammates, the club, and the fans. For me, the matter is closed.”
