Xabi Alonso Fires Back at Rival's Shocking Vinicius Jr Transfer Dig
An incensed Xabi Alonso declared that Atlético Madrid boss Diego Simeone had "overstepped boundaries" with his remarks directed at Vinicius Junior during Thursday's fiercely contested Madrid derby.
Real Madrid emerged victorious over Atlético with a 2–1 triumph, securing their place in Sunday's Spanish Super Cup final Clásico against Barcelona. While Vinicius didn't deliver a standout individual performance, he had to endure Simeone's pointed comments from the sideline throughout the match.
The animosity between these two central figures of Madrid derbies runs deep. Simeone's contempt for the controversial Brazilian winger is so intense that he has been known to target Vinicius Jr even in matches that don't feature him or Real Madrid.
The duo engaged in multiple confrontations during Thursday's tempestuous encounter, facing off in the opening half, during the interval, and again when Vinicius Jr was withdrawn in the closing 10 minutes.
What Diego Simeone Said to Vinicius Jr
Florentino is going to get rid of you, remember what I'm telling you.
Simeone was captured by television cameras during the Spanish Super Cup semifinal seemingly informing Vinicius Jr that his time at Real Madrid was coming to an end. The Atlético manager is believed to have suggested that Real president Florentino Pérez has become frustrated with the Brazilian's prolonged contract negotiations and will eventually accept the substantial offers from Saudi Pro League clubs.
When questioned about these statements, Simeone dismissed them: "I don't recall, my memory is somewhat hazy."
The Argentine manager also stated: "I have nothing to comment. What occurs on the field, as it always has since childhood, remains on the field. Nothing further to discuss."
The pair first confronted each other in the opening period and met again as Vinicius Jr was leaving the field in the 81st minute. Simeone seemed to criticize the winger once more, prompting a suggestion to "meet him after the game" from the Brazil star, according to MARCA.
Alonso: Not Anything Goes
Alonso has experienced his own heated verbal exchange with Vinicius Jr this season but objected to Simeone's behavior. "I didn't appreciate it," he told Movistar.
"I witnessed Cholo saying something to him. In my view, such actions exceed the boundaries of professional respect... not everything is acceptable."
"I strive to maintain respect toward players from opposing teams," Alonso subsequently added. "When I observed and heard what [Simeone] expressed, I found it even more distasteful. His words don't exemplify good sportsmanship. You must show respect for your adversaries. There are limits."
Vinicius Jr Takes Another Swipe at Simeone
This marked the 19th encounter between Vinicius Jr and Simeone. Real maintain a significantly superior record in these matchups, securing 11 victories while suffering only three defeats, though the Brazilian has found it difficult to make his mark. Following another goalless performance on Thursday, Vinicius Jr's tally against Atlético remains at just one goal across 19 appearances.
However, he would claim the final victory this week.
After witnessing his teammates secure a 2–1 victory, providing some redemption following Real's 5–2 thrashing in the season's first Madrid derby, Vinicius Jr turned to social media. Responding to a post displaying the altercation between himself and Simeone, Madrid's No. 7 posted: "You've lost another knockout round."