Vinícius Júnior has shed light on his decision not to publicly bid farewell to former Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, revealing that the pair did not share a strong connection during their time at the club.

Speaking during a pre-match press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash with Bayern Munich, the Brazilian winger addressed questions about his silence following Alonso’s departure. His comments, reported by Fabrizio Romano, suggested a professional but distant relationship between player and coach.

“Every coach has their own ideas, and maybe we didn’t connect well,” Vinícius explained. He added that the period under Alonso was personally challenging, as limited playing time forced him to reassess his development and approach on the pitch.

The winger acknowledged that the experience ultimately contributed to his growth. “It was a difficult moment because I was playing only a few minutes. I learned a lot, I reflected, and I’ve improved now,” he said.

Alonso’s tenure at Real Madrid followed the departure of Carlo Ancelotti, but his time at the Santiago Bernabéu was short-lived. Reports indicate that internal challenges, including managing a squad filled with high-profile players, played a role in his dismissal.

While Vinícius’ remarks stop short of outright criticism, they offer rare insight into dressing-room dynamics during Alonso’s stint and highlight the challenges faced by even highly regarded managers at elite clubs like Real Madrid.