2026-04-07 10:35:12

Vinicius Jr. has revealed that he found it hard to “connect” with former Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso.

The Brazilian forward couldn’t hide his frustration when the former Los Blancos boss substituted him off during the El Clasico clash with Barcelona in La Liga last October and admits that he has a much better relationship with Alonso’s successor Alvaro Arbeloa, who took over as coach in January.

Speaking to reporters before Real’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Bayern Munich on Tuesday (07.04.26), Vinicius said: “It was a difficult moment because I was playing lots of games but I had not many minutes.

“But every coach has their own method, every coach has their things, and I think I wasn’t able to connect with what he [Alonso] wanted and what the team needed.

“But it was a moment of learning, I learned a lot. The players helped me a lot at this time as well. I was able to reflect a lot and improve as a person.

“Hopefully I can continue like this with Arbeloa, who I have a brilliant relationship with. He has always given me confidence and he’s always told me what I have to do.

“I am prepared and ready to play great games for this manager and for this club that has given me such a lot.

“I have a great relationship with Arbeloa, like I had with [ex-Real boss Carlo] Ancelotti. I give everything for this team like I always have, and like I always will.”

Vinicius has scored 10 goals in his past 12 appearances for Real and believes that his strong form is a result of being in a good place mentally.

He said: “I think I’m in my best position, feeling confident. The coach trusts me, the team is playing better, and I’m more connected with the fans, because they’ve been through some tough times this season. I don’t like being booed at home, but it’s a learning experience, and it happens to the best players at the biggest club in the world.

“The pressure is normal; I’ve been here a long time, but every year there are new things, everything can change. Just as it’s changed for the worse, it’s also changed for the better. I’ve been able to shake things up, be more connected, I’ve scored the goals, and I’m ready for tomorrow. I’m sure the fans have confidence in me and all the players.”

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