Real Madrid Confidencial Xabi Alonso has a plan for Vinícius and Rodrygo, Real Madrid trusts him
The coach trusts he can bring out the best version of the Brazilians and will have a conversation with both of them in Valdebebas
Xabi Alonso has arrived on Real Madrid's bench with a clear mission: to recover the best version of Vinicius and Rodrygo. The Basque coach is aware that his team needs the Brazilians fully engaged to compete for all the titles this season.
The club trusts his ability to motivate the locker room. Xabi was a leader on the field and now wants to transfer that influence to the bench. His idea is to work individually with the players who need it most, with Vinicius first on his list.
Vinicius, at the center of everything
The Brazilian hasn't been performing at the desired level for months. The Club World Cup made it clear that he's not at his best. It also doesn't help that his contract renewal with the club is at a standstill.
Xabi wants Vinicius to forget about the contract and focus on playing well. He's planning to speak with him face to face when the team returns to training. His message will be clear: if he plays well, everything else will come naturally.
Vinicius has had a hard time since he didn't win the Ballon d'Or. He lost confidence, and the tensions with the club over his salary have only made the situation worse. He was even about to lose his starting spot against PSG; only Trent's injury kept him in the line-up.
Xabi doesn't want that to happen again. He wants to avoid a second warning, and his goal is for Vinicius to enjoy soccer again. That's his only concern right now.
Rodrygo, in the spotlight of debate
The other delicate case is Rodrygo Goes. The Paulista dropped his level in 2025 and ended up as a substitute. In the United States, Xabi gave him a chance as a starter and he didn't take advantage of it.
Rodrygo knows that right now he's behind Mbappé, Vinicius, and Gonzalo. Xabi's system usually includes only two forwards. If he wants to play, he'll have to show much more.
The coach will also speak with him to define his future. If he decides to stay, he'll have the support of the coaching staff. If he prefers to leave, the club won't close the doors on him.
Xabi is convinced that if he manages to recover the level of both Brazilians, Real Madrid will dominate Europe again.
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