Alonso Addresses Vinícius Rift And Calls Olympiacos Win A Turning Point

‎Xabi Alonso described Real Madrid’s 4-3 victory over Olympiacos in the Champions League on Wednesday as crucial for shifting the team’s momentum after three winless games and the coach facing pressure.

‎Kylian Mbappé scored four goals, including a seven-minute hat trick, while Vinícius Júnior contributed two assists, lifting Madrid to 12 points and securing their spot in the top eight.

‎Madrid went into the game in Greece having followed a defeat at Liverpool with draws at Rayo Vallecano and Elche, leading to criticism of Alonso’s tactics, and reports that the coach’s relationship with key players was deteriorating.

‎”Today it was important to change the dynamic,” Alonso told Movistar.

‎”It was important in terms of qualification [from the league phase), and with the moment we’re in.

‎”We’re all united. We know it will be a long, demanding season. There will be all kinds of situations. There are moments that you have to endure. Today is a step forward.”

‎Alonso’s relationship with Vinícius has been scrutinised, with the star forward being benched four times this season, and reacting angrily to being substituted in El Clásico last month.

‎”It’s a shame the [Vinicius] goal was disallowed,” Alonso said in his post-match news conference. “We’d talked about that kind of move, it was a typical goal for him.”

‎Alonso also praised Mbappé’s “personality” and “leadership.”

‎”The influence he has, those intangible things, are fundamental to make a team,” Alonso said.

‎Mbappé is now the top scorer in both LaLiga and the Champions League this season.

‎”There are things to improve, of course,” Mbappé told Movistar.

‎”I know people talk a lot on the outside. It’s normal for people to talk when you play for Real Madrid. We have to protect the players, the coach, and the staff.

‎”We’re all in this together. I’m not going to say we’re against those on the outside, but we’re together. I know the fans are with us”