Vinícius Misses Ancelotti – Their Father-Son-Like Bond Contrasts With His Lack of Closeness to Alonso
In Real Madrid’s 2-2 draw away to Elche, Vinícius once again remained on the bench. Unlike his substitute goals against Oviedo and Getafe earlier this season, the Brazilian failed to be Los Blancos’ savior on this occasion. Although Xabi Alonso opted to start Rodrygo, the latter’s 29-game goal drought remained unbroken.
This marks Vinícius’ fourth time as a substitute this season (3 in La Liga + 1 in the Champions League). While Alonso explained the rotation was a mutual decision: "We communicated as usual, and he understands his role," Camel Live has learned from sources close to the player that Vinícius’ relationship with the manager only remains at a "professional level" and is not close privately. The Brazilian misses Carlo Ancelotti’s fatherly warmth – it was that unreserved trust that fueled his peak performance in the 2023-24 season.
The fallout from his substitution in El Clásico continues to simmer. Alonso’s decision sparked divisions within Valdebebas at the time, and his insistence on relying on Rodrygo has since backfired: the latter has zero goals and zero assists this season, with almost no offensive contribution in the Elche match. Notably, Rodrygo also featured in Brazil’s two friendly matches, failing to complete 90 minutes in either.
More pressingly, Vinícius’ contract renewal negotiations (current deal expires in 2027) have hit a stalemate. Camel Live understands there are discrepancies between the two parties regarding the contract duration and financial terms. Although interest from Saudi Arabia has cooled and no European clubs have submitted official offers, Real Madrid must remain vigilant: the player will enter the final year of his contract in six months – a sensitive period when Los Blancos previously signed stars like Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard.
The frosty relationship between Vinícius and Alonso is testing the club’s strategic resolve. Real Madrid remains firmly supportive of the Basque manager’s three-year plan, allowing him to handle the Clásico fallout even amid recent underwhelming results.
