Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has thrown his full support behind Vinicius Junior, insisting the Brazilian is in a good place even though the goals have dried up lately.
With Madrid getting ready for their clash against Celta Vigo, Alonso used his press conference to calm the noise around the forward, who hasn’t scored in quite a while. His tone wasn’t defensive, more like someone who genuinely believes the player is doing a lot more right than people notice.
As revealed by Fabrizio Romano via his official X account, Alonso explained that Vinicius has been carrying himself with a better attitude than some expect.
He stated:
Xabi Alonso: Vinicius is in a great place both personally and professionally; he seems happy!.
It was a shame he didn’t score in Greece or Bilbao, but when you see him smile, it gives the team a real boost. It’s crucial to have him in this state of mind.
He admitted it was a bit frustrating that the winger couldn’t take his chances in Greece or Bilbao but added that just seeing Vinicius smile gives the whole team a lift. It may sound simple, but in a dressing room like Madrid’s, those little things actually matter.
Softfootball understands that Vinicius hasn’t scored in ten straight club matches, which is unusual for someone with his output. His last goal came back on October 1 in a 3-1 win over Villarreal, and since then he’s had a few misses he’d normally bury.
Even in the 3-0 La Liga win over Athletic Bilbao, he failed to convert some clear openings. Earlier in October, everything looked tense after he stormed off during El Clásico when Alonso subbed him off. But Alonso says that moment is firmly behind them now.
He pointed out how Vinicius’s pressing, movement, and two assists this season have helped create more room for stars like Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham.
Before this interview, the manager had spoken earlier about how Vinicius and Mbappé’s relationship is working in the team’s favour, and the hug between Alonso and Vinicius after the Bilbao game also felt like a small but clear sign that things are back on track.
Madrid are still top of La Liga, and while the goals will probably return soon, Alonso seems more interested in maintaining harmony and confidence. A happy Vinicius, even without scoring, might be just as valuable for Madrid’s title push.
