Xabi Alonso had decided to bench Real Madrid superstar vs PSG before plans changed | OneFootball

The 0-4 defeat to PSG in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final left many wounds open at Real Madrid. The heavy loss was a harsh reality check for the new project led by Xabi Alonso and exposed the problems that still persist.

One of the key figures in this situation was Vinicius Jr., who faced criticism for a perceived lack of commitment on the pitch and poor behaviour.

Vinicius was set to be benched

According to Alberto Pereiro on Radio Estadio, Real Madrid coach Alonso had made the bold and risky decision to leave Vinicius on the bench against PSG.

The plan was to start Gonzalo Garcia and Kylian Mbappe, pushing the Brazilian into a secondary role. However, a last-minute injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold during the final training session forced a tactical reshuffle.

Trent’s injury led to Vinicius starting vs PSG. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

Trent was set to play as a wing-back in Alonso’s preferred 3-5-2 setup, but his absence led to a system change and placed the Brazilian in an unfamiliar role on the right flank, where he appeared uncomfortable and disconnected.

Growing concerns

Xabi Alonso’s decision to bench Vinicius was not arbitrary. There is growing unease within the club regarding the 25-year-old megastar – both about his recent performances and his stance on the renewal of his contract.

The Brazilian has yet to sign a new deal and has seemingly not fully accepted the new team hierarchy, where Mbappe is positioned as the central figure.

Some even interpreted the near benching as a strategic move by the club to pressure Vinicius into accepting his new role.

In fact, as suggested by journalist Roberto Morales recently, the idea of the Brazilian leaving does not faze Real Madrid like it might have a year or two ago.