Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Marseille in the Champions League, but much of the talk after the match was about star forward Vinicius Jr., who once again started from the bench. Former club director Pedja Mijatovic has since commented on the situation, suggesting it is a clear message from the manager about the standards expected at the club.
🔄 Understanding Xabi Alonso’s Approach
Mijatovic explained that he is not surprised by manager Xabi Alonso’s decision to bench the Brazilian star. He noted that Alonso’s coaching philosophy is to keep the entire squad active and competitive. The coach believes in giving meaningful minutes to all players across different competitions, like La Liga and the Champions League, which helps ensure everyone on the team stays motivated and ready to contribute.
⚠️ No Special Treatment for Big Names
According to Mijatovic, Xabi Alonso is a manager who will not hesitate to bench any player, regardless of their reputation or star status. If a player does not train with enough effort or enthusiasm, especially if they are unhappy about not being a guaranteed starter, they simply will not play. This approach makes it clear that a spot in the starting lineup must be earned through hard work, not given based on past achievements.
💪 The Decision is Up to Vinicius Jr.
Ultimately, Mijatovic believes the situation is in Vinicius Jr.’s own hands. He suggested there is no need to be overly concerned, as the solution is straightforward. If the forward pushes himself harder and shows greater commitment in training, he will regain his place in the team. If he doesn’t, another motivated player will be ready to take the opportunity.
