Real Madrid put on one of their most powerful performances of the season, defeating AS Monaco 6-1, with Vinicius Jr. earning Man of the Match honors.
More than the scoreline, the performance altered the chemistry between the Brazilian forward and the Santiago Bernabeu crowd.
Vinicius was at the center of everything positive for Madrid, rebounding on the field after a terrible week of criticism and scrutiny.
Criticism from Liverpool Great
However, in the lead-up to the game, discussion over Vinicius erupted following angry comments from Jamie Carragher.
Speaking on CBS Sports‘ Golazo analysis show, the former Liverpool defender openly criticized the Brazilian while defending Xabi Alonso, who was just fired by Real Madrid.
“The reason Vinicius is at the center of the dispute is that he is the most problematic.
“He is one of the biggest embarrassments that caused the coach to lose his job.”
Carragher then brought up an incident from earlier this season during El Clasico. He described Vinicius’ response to being substituted late in the game.
“He was substituted late in Real Madrid’s win over Barcelona.
“The coach was trying to secure the outcome, to ensure that they won. Vinicius became enraged, began gesticulating and threw his arms around, claiming he would not sign a new contract while Alonso was still present.”
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According to Carragher, the issue worsened following the contest. He stated Vinicius apologized without addressing the coach directly.
“Then he released a statement after the game apologising to the fans, apologising to the players, but not apologising to the coach.”
Carragher went on to blame Alonso’s sacking on the club hierarchy, saying.
“That is why Alonso lost his job; the owner, Pérez, is scared that one of the world’s top players will not sign a new deal.
“And we know that at Real Madrid, the coach is disposable, not the players. “That is how it works.”
There’s more to it.
The criticism didn’t end there. Carragher was forthright when asked about film showing Vinicius apparently impacted by booing before to the match versus Levante.
“Do not start crying in the tunnel.” This is why he was dismissed. I know how it works.
“No sympathy.” What I mean is that the fans are already against them.
He concluded by contextualizing Alonso’s circumstances at the club while reiterating his stance.
“Xabi Alonso is a Real Madrid legend, not as a coach, but as a player, having won the Champions League there. He also won the league.
“Obviously, he’s a top-tier young coach who is still learning his craft. Other players have done it in the past, and the coach has lost his position.
“Alonso understands this. He understands what he is up against. But do not start crying in the tunnel. “My God.”
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