Xabi Alonso comments on Vinicius' missed penalty against Valencia.

1 day ago7 min read

The Santiago Bernabéu fell momentarily silent, a rare hush descending upon its hallowed turf as Vinicius Junior stepped up to the spot against Valencia. It was a moment that should have been a formality, a chance to put Real Madrid up 3-0 before halftime and effectively extinguish the contest.Instead, Julen Agirresabala, Valencia's guardian, read the Brazilian's intentions perfectly, producing a save that, while ultimately inconsequential to the 4-0 final scoreline, sparked a fascinating post-match dissection from manager Xabi Alonso. His reaction was a masterclass in modern managerial psychology, a blend of tactical pragmatism and man-management that reveals the intricate dynamics at play within a squad teeming with global superstars.Alonso’s initial admission of 'disappointment' was telling—not in the player, but in the missed opportunity to seal the game earlier, a sentiment any elite coach from Pep Guardiola to Sir Alex Ferguson would share. The game's flow is everything, and a 3-0 lead at the break is a psychological chasm for any opponent.Yet, his subsequent comments swiftly pivoted from frustration to unwavering structural support, clarifying the penalty hierarchy with the precision of a seasoned strategist. 'We appoint penalty takers, and the first is Kylian [Mbappé],' he stated, a declaration that cuts through any potential ambiguity or dressing-room politics.This isn't a democracy in the heat of the moment; it's a pre-ordained chain of command, a system designed to eliminate doubt and foster accountability. His assertion that he 'likes it when they take the penalties because it's a good opportunity' is a crucial piece of man-management, publicly backing his players' confidence even in the face of a miss.It’s a philosophy reminiscent of the unshakeable faith Zinedine Zidane showed in his galacticos, a belief that one missed chance does not define a player's quality or role. The fact that Alonso specifically wished Mbappé had taken the second one, despite Vinicius being on the pitch, underscores the rigidity of his system.In an era where player power often dictates on-field decisions, Alonso is reasserting a classic principle: the manager's plan is paramount. This incident, though a minor footnote in a comprehensive victory, offers a profound look into Vinicius's own evolution.A few seasons ago, a missed penalty might have sent him into a spiral of frustration, affecting the rest of his performance. Yet, Alonso was quick to praise his overall display, stating he 'had a very good game.' This resilience, this ability to contribute dynamically even after a personal setback, is the mark of a player maturing from a mercurial talent into a consistent leader. One can draw parallels to Cristiano Ronaldo's early years at Manchester United, where missed chances were met with petulance, before he honed a mentality of relentless, almost robotic, goal-seeking.Vinicius is on a similar journey. The broader context here is the delicate ecosystem of a forward line featuring Vinicius, the newly arrived Mbappé, and the phenomenal Jude Bellingham.Establishing a clear penalty taker is a fundamental step in managing egos and maximizing output. It prevents the kind of on-pitch disputes that have marred other top teams and ensures that the immense creative and goal-scoring potential of this trio is channeled effectively.For Alonso, a manager whose footballing intellect was forged under the tutelage of masters like Guardiola, Benítez, and Ancelotti, this is more than just a post-match soundbite. It is a deliberate communication, a message to his squad, the media, and the fans that at Real Madrid, there is a process, there is order, and there is unwavering confidence in the individuals tasked with executing it. The 4-0 scoreline will dominate the headlines, but for the true students of the game, Alonso's nuanced handling of a missed penalty was just as compelling a story.

#featured

#Real Madrid

#Vinicius Junior

#penalty miss

#Kylian Mbappe

#Xabi Alonso

#Valencia

#La Liga match