Vinícius, Real Madrid's worst player and Xabi explains the reason for his poor match: 'The...'

Real Madrid managed to secure the first three points of the Club World Cup against Al-Hilal. Xabi Alonso's first starting eleven featured some surprises, although the coach included almost all the usual regular starters, such as Vinícius. The Brazilian, who did not have Mbappé in the attack, missed the opportunity to establish himself as the team's leader.

However, Xabi Alonso, aware that there are still matches ahead in this competition, reportedly decided to take him off in the middle of the second half. His replacement was academy player Víctor Muñoz. At that moment, the coach, as confirmed by "Defensa Central," approached to speak with his player.

Xabi Alonso spoke with Vinícius after the substitution

"They don't let me go one-on-one against the opponent," Vinícius said during one of the cooling breaks. In response, Xabi Alonso insisted that the footballer keep taking on his marker.

Despite everything, Vinícius did not have his day, although the Brazilian will keep working to show his best version soon. Nevertheless, the Portuguese João Cancelo won the battle against Real Madrid's winger this time.

Additionally, Xabi Alonso spoke about Vinícius's substitution during the match. "Vinícius had cramps because of the heat, because of the field," the Basque coach told the media.

More messages from Xabi Alonso to Madridists

After the match, Xabi Alonso appeared before the media in the press room at Hard Rock Stadium. There, the coach appeared satisfied, although he emphasized that the team needs to improve much more.

"The second half was much better than the first, where we lost the ball too quickly. Afterward, we gave it more meaning and had more control in the game," Xabi Alonso commented.

"We adjusted our possession better and were closer to their box. They dropped back a lot, so it was difficult for us. This is going to be a slow process, and we have to take the positives and the negatives to learn," he explained.

Finally, Xabi Alonso replied by commenting on what the team needs to keep improving. "More width, being able to attack the channels, playing higher after losing the ball... In the first half, it was harder for us," he emphasized.

"No excuses, but it was very hot. Asensio was on antibiotics and we had to substitute him. Vinícius had cramps in the 70th minute," he concluded.