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Rafael Nadal tells Vinicius Jr. to ‘respect Xabi Alonso’s authority’ as pressure rises inside Real Madrid dressing room

Rafael Nadal has weighed in on the growing tension at Real Madrid, urging Vinicius Junior to show greater respect toward head coach Xabi Alonso amid mounting speculation that the pair’s relationship has deteriorated. Speaking to Movistar+, the retired tennis legend and long-time Madrid supporter called for open dialogue and collective responsibility at a moment when the club is trying to regain stability.

Alonso’s arrival in the dugout had sparked genuine optimism. Real Madrid opened the season with 13 wins from their first 14 games, blending efficiency with the kind of attacking fluency that delighted supporters. Their emphatic win in the season’s first Clásico suggested a team on a clear upward trajectory. Yet their 5-2 collapse against Atlético Madrid foreshadowed vulnerabilities, and the decisive turning point came during the Champions League trip to Anfield. There, Madrid looked unrecognisably flat against a Liverpool side that had lost six of its previous eight games. The defeat, followed by Liverpool’s continued struggles, has only amplified the scrutiny on Madrid’s performance.

Since then, Alonso’s side have stumbled through a three-match winless run in La Liga, including frustrating results against Rayo Vallecano and newly promoted Elche. Spanish media outlets have reported unease inside the dressing room, suggesting that the coach’s authority has weakened. Vinicius’ angry reaction to being substituted in the recent Clásico has been highlighted as a potential flashpoint, with some journalists claiming the Brazilian now maintains only a “strictly professional” rapport with Alonso.

Nadal addressed the issue with a measured but firm message.
“This can all be resolved through dialogue,” he said. “Vini must recognise who leads the team and respect that authority. Wearing the Real Madrid shirt comes with responsibility—not just toward the manager, but toward the club’s values and image. He’s a phenomenal talent, but every player has moments where emotions take over. Those things can be corrected.”

The 22-time Grand Slam champion stressed that meaningful change must begin with the player.
“The desire to improve starts with him. Whenever I hear him say he wants to grow in every area, it’s clear he needs strong allies, and Real Madrid certainly has the right people to guide him. Vinicius is a valuable asset the club must protect. Performances rise and fall, but his importance to the team is unquestionable.”

Nadal also pointed out how quickly narratives escalate in football.
“This sport creates new stories every week. Things get magnified, but players are human beings. Problems are solved through communication, understanding one another, and working together with a sense of unity and respect.”

As the team looks to steady form and avoid further setbacks, the coming weeks will reveal whether Alonso and Vinicius can rebuild trust—an essential step if Madrid hope to regain momentum in both domestic and European competition.

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Blog / Rafael Nadal tells Vinicius Jr. to ‘respect Xabi Alonso’s authority’ as pressure rises inside Real Madrid dressing room

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