Real Madrid’s rising tension: Vinicius Jr. vs. Xabi Alonso
Real Madrid may be setting the pace in La Liga, but the calm projected on the pitch contrasts sharply with what insiders describe as a growing unease behind closed doors.
According to reporting from The Athletic, tension between Vinicius Jr. and head coach Xabi Alonso has evolved from a minor concern into a meaningful storyline shaping conversations about the club’s future.
The relationship between the two has reportedly been under pressure for months. People familiar with the matter told The Athletic that communication has broken down to the point where it is now influencing contract discussions.
During a meeting last month, Vinicius is said to have told club president Florentino Pérez that he would not consider renewing his deal unless his dynamic with Alonso improves significantly — a stance that caught the attention of several senior figures.
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The signs of strain didn’t appear overnight. One of the more visible moments came during the October win over FC Barcelona, when Vinicius reacted angrily to being substituted and shouted: “It’s always me. I’m leaving this team.
It’s better if I go.” He later apologized, but staff members noted at the time that the incident felt like part of a longer buildup rather than a single flash of anger.
Inside Valdebebas, the issue has become something of a recurring topic. Each week seems to bring new examples of misalignment, and sources told The Athletic that the situation now goes well beyond tactical disagreements.
The concern, as described by people within the club, is centered on trust and day-to-day cooperation — elements essential to any long-term working relationship.
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Contract talks have added another layer of difficulty. The Athletic reports that Real Madrid are prepared to offer an annual salary of around €20.1 million, while Vinicius’ representatives are pushing for roughly €30.1 million. The financial gap remains substantial, even by the standards of one of Europe’s wealthiest clubs.
Taken together, the personal tension and financial stalemate present Real Madrid with an unwelcome dilemma: maintaining squad stability at a moment when results are strong, yet behind-the-scenes fissures appear to be widening.
Source: The Athletic
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