"We have only played five games; this is a marathon. We have to give time to everyone. "Yesterday I did not have time to talk to him, but today I saw him looking positive and with more of a smile. "I have spoken with him, we have done some individual exercises. Tomorrow, we'll see."
"There are many important leaders in this squad. Vinicius is one of them, with Jude [Bellingham], Federico [Valverde], Aurelien [Tchouameni], Dean [Huijsen], Arda [Guler]. "I value everyone very much and I want everyone in the team to feel important. Everyone is in this boat, and we need everyone to row in the same direction."
Xabi Alonso excluded Vinicius Junior from the starting lineup for a second time this season but denied any bad blood and emphasized squad unity and rotation. Alonso framed the campaign as a marathon and said playing time must be managed across many fixtures. He reported speaking with Vinicius, conducting individual exercises, and seeing a positive attitude. Alonso named Vinicius among several team leaders, including Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, Dean Huijsen and Arda Guler. Kylian Mbappe scored twice in Champions League play, and Alonso acknowledged the need to rest players over a congested schedule.
Read at Soccer News
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