Manager Xabi Alonso Vinicius Junior‘s role in the team has become a major talking point after the Brazilian was benched for Real Madrid’s Champions League opener against Marseille on Tuesday, but the coach has played down any significance to the decision, insisting he “needs” every player at his disposal.
The superstar began the contest on the bench, entering the match midway through the second half. Alonso instead opted to start Rodrygo and Franco Mastantuono on the wings.
The Brazilian made a positive impact when he was introduced with the game tied 1-1. Vinicius’ driving run won the late penalty which Kylian Mbappé converted to secure all three points for the home side.
Alonso explained that rotation alone was behind his somewhat surprising team selection, and that there was no deliberate snub of the 2024 Ballon d’Or runner-up.
“We need Vini, Rodrygo, Franco, Brahim [Díaz],” Alonso stressed when questioned by reporters. “If there are private conversations, they stay at Valdebebas [Madrid’s training ground] or in the dressing room.”
“There will be moments for everyone [to play]. Nobody should feel offended if they don’t play a game, the calendar is very demanding,” he added, referencing Madrid’s packed upcoming schedule which includes an 8,000-mile round trip to face Kairat Almaty in Kazakhstan.