Vinícius Júnior's future at Real Madrid is once again in question. The Brazilian has sparked internal debate at the club for some time, but the latest information obtained by MB points to a point of no return.
Cadena SER, through Manu Carreño on El Larguero, has put an uncomfortable reality on the table for Real Madrid. Within Madrid itself, there are already those who've given up on the footballer.
The situation is especially delicate because Vinícius has been the flag of the new generation in recent years. He was Florentino's personal bet to rejuvenate the team and keep Cristiano Ronaldo's legacy going.
However, character issues, performance ups and downs, and constant controversies have ended up wearing everyone down.
Manu Carreño's words on El Larguero
Manu Carreño was very clear in his analysis after Real Madrid's last match:
"I think that, no matter which coach comes, there are things that never change and I think they're not going to change. He posted after the match 'I'm like this' and I think there are people at Madrid who've thrown in the towel."
Carreño insisted that the Brazilian seems to need a tense atmosphere to perform at his best:
"It feels like, for Vinícius to perform at 100%, he needs to reach boiling point and have the world turn against him. Until he explodes against the referee, the fans, or the rivals, he doesn't grow."
He added an important detail about the benching against the last opponent:
"What bothered him most was being benched... Now everyone has to be on alert because Xabi Alonso uses meritocracy.
Whoever does well plays and whoever doesn't, to the bench. Before, Vinícius spent many days not playing well, but with a guaranteed starting spot. That seems, with Xabi, no longer guaranteed."
A power struggle that repeats at Madrid
In Chamartín, it's not the first time a key player has clashed with the demands of a new coach. The difference is that Vinícius has been protected for years by the board, even when his performances weren't up to par. Florentino always defended him publicly and trusted his potential.
Now, the reality is different. With Xabi Alonso's arrival, the narrative has changed: meritocracy has prevailed over names. That leaves the Brazilian in an unprecedented vulnerable position during his time at the white club.
The strain of a complicated relationship
The power struggle between Vinícius and Madrid seems more evident than ever. From within, there's already talk of fatigue. Of a relationship that could be close to breaking and the need to look for alternatives in the market.
If Florentino really has thrown in the towel, the Brazilian's future at Bernabéu could be numbered.