"If he doesn't... I think everybody will lose a little respect" - Pundit asks Xabi Alonso to bench key Real Madrid man for upcoming LaLiga clash

Pundit Steve Nicol urges Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso to bench Vinicius Jr for their upcoming LaLiga clash. Los Blancos will next face Valencia on November 1 in the league.

Nicol's comments come after Vinicius Jr's reaction after being subbed off during El Clasico last week went viral. The Brazilian was taken off in the 72nd minute for Rodrygo, which visibly frustrated him. He was seen making gestures at the camera and saying things before walking off the pitch angrily. Real Madrid won the game 2-1 against Barcelona, although the Brazilian had no goals or assists.

In an ESPN panel discussion, pundit Steve Nicol urged Xabi Alonso to bench him in the next LaLiga game. He claimed that not doing so would lead to many losing respect for the coach.

"Absolutely. I don't think he has any choice; if he's not seen doing anything, he'll lose respect everywhere, including the other players in the dressing room....This is 100% on Alonso. If he doesn't bench him, I think everybody will lose a little respect for the coach," Nicol said.

Vinicius Jr has recorded five goals and four assists in 13 outings across competitions this season. The Brazilian did not enjoy a great previous season and will be determined to change ways this time. However, criticism about his alleged on-pitch behaviour continues to be prevalent among fans and experts.

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Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso comments on Vinicius Jr's reaction to his substitution in El Clasico

Vini and Alonso - Source: Getty

In the post-match press conference, as quoted via ESPN, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso shared his thoughts on Vinicius Jr's controversial reaction to being subbed. Alonso was asked about the same and said (via Tribune)

"I'll focus on a lot of the positive things in the game, and good things from Vini. We'll talk about [Vini's reaction] of course, but I don't want to move the spotlight away from what's really important."

He added:

"We'll talk about it, in the context of the great game it was. Vini contributed a lot. It's an important, deserved victory ... It's important, the feeling of being a competitive team in big games. As for the rest, we'll talk about it."

Real Madrid's victory in the Clasico last Sunday marks their first win after four consecutive Clasico losses last season. Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham scored to lead Los Blancos to victory, with Fermin Lopez being on the scoresheet for Barcelona.

Following this win, the Merengues are now at the top of the LaLiga table, five points clear of second-placed Barcelona. It remains to be seen if they can hold on to the lead after losing the league to their rivals last season.

Edited by Pratyasha Sarkar