Xabi Alonso continues to distance himself from a war with Vinicius Jr, even when it’s to the team’s detriment.
There were some expectations Vini would be dropped from Real Madrid‘s clash with Valencia after his almighty sulk during a Clasico win the previous week.
However, Alonso commended his ‘impeccable’ behaviour and apology in the aftermath and started him in the 4-0 win.
Yet there was another flashpoint when Alonso looked livid on the touchline as Vinicius missed a penalty.
Kylian Mbappe, Madrid’s first-choice taker, had already scored from the spot so donated the second with the score 2-0.
Asked about his emotions on the touchline post-match, Alonso said: “It was because we missed the penalty, because it was right before halftime and it could have been 3-0.
“Then, fortunately, Jude scored. But that’s it, the frustration of not having been able to make it 3-0. And that’s it.”
Asked if Mbappe is still the only penalty despite only scoring 76% of his attempts in white, Alonso continued: “Not the only one. We assign the pitchers, and he’s the first one. Then they make decisions.
“I like that they score. We know it’s a good opportunity, and today… Kylian scored the first one, and then I would have liked to score the second one too.
“But it’s not a big deal. It’s always… I mean, Kylian is still the first-choice penalty taker.”
Carlo Ancelotti experienced a similar problem after the Frenchman’s arrival, having to intervene and pick a pecking order after multiple misses from the spot.
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