Source:REUTERS/Juan Barbosa
[Saba Sports News] According to Spanish media reports, during Real Madrid’s 5-1 victory over Betis, head coach Xabi Alonso expressed frustration towards Vinícius Junior, demanding that he apply more pressure. In the 67th minute, with Real Madrid leading 3-1, Alonso was angered by Vinícius’s lack of intensity in pressing when Betis was trying to build from the back. Footage captured by broadcasters showed Alonso, visibly emotional in the technical area, shouting at the Brazilian forward: ‘Hey, Vinícius, for god’s sake. Come on, man, get up! Pressure, hurry up and pressure!’ The footage indicated that Alonso was dissatisfied with the player’s attitude at certain moments during the match, saying, ‘Don’t stop, go pressure! Quickly, just this one, go!’ Alonso continued to yell at Vinícius while making clear hand gestures in the technical area. About ten minutes later, Alonso decided to substitute Vinícius and Rodrygo for Arda Güler and Franco Mastantuono. During this substitution, Vinícius and Alonso acknowledged each other, with no apparent signs of conflict or displeasure.