Real Madrid dressing room shaken: Alonso is demanding a radical change in Vinicius’ role, reviving tensions that were already latent last season.

In what is shaping up to be a turbulent summer for Real Madrid, newly-appointed head coach Xabi Alonso is reportedly planning to sit down with Vinicius Jr. to address concerns over his role in the team. According to a fresh report from MARCA, the former midfield maestro wants to implement sweeping changes to the squad’s structure—starting with their most electrifying forward.

Alonso, who recently took over from Carlo Ancelotti, has been handed the reins with a clear mission: restore balance and discipline at one of football’s most high-profile clubs. And he has wasted no time identifying key areas of concern. Chief among them is Vinicius Jr., a player whose individual brilliance often clashes with the tactical discipline Alonso wants to instill.

The Spanish manager is said to be deeply concerned by what he views as a lack of collective responsibility among the forwards. While Vinicius posted an impressive 20 goals and 17 assists in the 2024/25 season, his defensive work rate and positioning off the ball have come under scrutiny behind closed doors.

Inside the dressing room, murmurs of discontent reportedly surfaced throughout the campaign. There is a growing consensus among both coaching staff and players that the forwards—particularly Vinicius—must shoulder more defensive duties to prevent the kind of structural collapse that haunted the team in high-stakes fixtures.

Alonso’s system is built on collective energy and synchronicity. His time at Bayer Leverkusen showcased a manager who prioritizes tactical discipline over star power. In his vision for Real Madrid, no player—regardless of talent—will be given a free pass to neglect their responsibilities, especially when the team is out of possession.

In this context, Alonso’s upcoming conversation with Vinicius isn’t just a routine tactical briefing—it’s expected to be a defining moment for both men. According to sources close to the club, the message will be simple: brilliance must come with sacrifice.

The idea of one attacker being “freed” from pressing duties can be tolerated, Alonso reportedly believes—but not when it becomes a trend across two or three players. In the modern game, especially at the elite level, teams must defend and press as a unit. For Real Madrid to compete across all fronts next season, the attacking trio must embrace this philosophy.

While Vinicius’ attacking stats remain commendable, Alonso and sections of the fanbase have been left underwhelmed by his influence in the season’s most critical moments. The Brazilian winger was largely anonymous during decisive Champions League ties and several Clasico encounters, where the stakes demanded leadership and control.

Adding to the concern is the perception of arrogance that some believe has crept into Vinicius’ behavior on the pitch. His confrontational attitude and frequent complaints toward referees have created friction—not just with opponents, but within his own fanbase, some of whom now question whether he is evolving into the type of leader the club needs.

Despite these concerns, Alonso is not prepared to cast Vinicius aside. On the contrary, he sees the 24-year-old as a cornerstone of his project—so long as he buys into the bigger picture. For Alonso, leadership is not just about skill, but about setting the tone on and off the pitch.

Their conversation will therefore go beyond tactical nuances. It will touch on themes of accountability, emotional maturity, and what it truly means to be a team player at Real Madrid. Alonso is expected to challenge Vinicius to grow—not just as a player, but as a leader.

This isn’t the first time Vinicius has faced criticism regarding his mentality and tactical discipline. During Ancelotti’s tenure, similar concerns occasionally emerged, though the Italian tactician often protected his star publicly. Alonso, however, appears less inclined to sugarcoat the truth.

The stakes are incredibly high. Real Madrid’s fanbase is famously demanding, and Alonso’s bold decision to confront one of their most high-profile players so early in his reign signals a no-nonsense approach. It’s a message to the entire squad: reputations will not shield anyone from accountability.

Interestingly, this development has rekindled tensions that were already bubbling beneath the surface last season. According to insiders, several senior players privately questioned the lack of defensive commitment from the frontline—frustrations that were only magnified in defeats against more disciplined teams.

Now, with Alonso at the helm, those grievances are being addressed head-on. The dressing room is undergoing a cultural reset, one where tactical obedience and humility are expected from everyone, regardless of stardom.

For Vinicius, the coming weeks will be pivotal. If he embraces the challenge, he could emerge as a more complete and respected figure—one capable of not just dazzling the Bernabéu but leading it. But if resistance or complacency creeps in, he may find himself at odds with a coach who values the system over superstardom.

One thing is certain: Real Madrid’s pre-season will be anything but quiet. The winds of change are blowing through Valdebebas, and Alonso is making it clear—there will be no passengers on his journey toward restoring Los Blancos’ dominance.

Whether Vinicius chooses to lead or lag behind remains to be seen.