The relationship between Vinícius Júnior and Xabi Alonso was one of the main points of tension at the start of Real Madrid's season.
The Brazilian, used to being untouchable under other coaches, received a reality check with his new manager. Benching, extra demands, and a discipline that seemed not to fit the forward's character.
From inside the locker room, it was leaked that the situation could rot if there wasn't a change. However, Alonso's tough approach has had the opposite effect. Vinícius has understood the message, has changed his attitude, and in recent matches is offering a version much closer to what's expected of him.
The bench as a turning point
Xabi Alonso's decision to leave Vinícius on the bench was criticized by some sectors, but time has proven him right. The player understood that his status didn't shield him from the consequences of poor performance. Most importantly: he realized that Real Madrid no longer depends exclusively on him thanks to the presence of Mbappé, Bellingham, and Rodrygo.
That wake-up call was key for the Brazilian to let his guard down. Club sources say the change has even been noticed in training, where he now appears more focused and willing to contribute to collective tasks.
Xabi Alonso finds the formula
The Basque manager has insisted on the idea that everyone must sacrifice for the group, and Vinícius has started to accept it. "No one here is above the team," Alonso is said to have repeated in several private talks.
On the field, that adjustment is already reflected in the numbers. In the last three matches, Vinícius has scored two goals and provided one assist, in addition to showing much more focused behavior and being less prone to protests or gestures of frustration.
The locker room breathes
At Real Madrid, they feared that the Brazilian, with his strong personality, could become a source of conflict. However, Alonso's strategy has helped redirect the situation. "He's calmer, more involved, and even more cheerful," say sources close to the locker room.
The rest of his teammates have noticed it as well. His better rapport with players like Bellingham or Mbappé is a reflection that the manager's work has been effective. The coexistence, which seemed complicated, is starting to flow normally.
Path toward the best Vinícius
It remains to be seen whether this change will be permanent or just a temporary truce. At the club, they believe Vinícius has learned the lesson and that the "Alonso miracle" could be long-lasting. The key will be to keep him motivated and focused, especially during the most demanding moments of the season.
For now, what seemed like an entrenched problem has become a personal triumph for Xabi Alonso. The manager has shown that, even with world-class stars, authority and discipline are non-negotiable.