REAL MADRID STAR’S FUTURE IN DOUBT AFTER HEATED ALONSO EXCHANGE
Vinicius Junior threatened to leave Real Madrid after being substituted in El Clásico, sparking a clash with manager Xabi Alonso. The unhappy forward is now seriously considering a summer exit.
Vini Jr. gets annoyed when Real Madrid 2 x 1 Barcelona substitutes him in the second half - COURTESY/PHOTO
In Sunday's El Clásico victory over Barcelona, Real Madrid ended a four-game losing streak and moved five points clear of their fiercest rivals. However, the conflict between manager Xabi Alonso and Vinicius Junior somewhat dampened the exuberant atmosphere.
Since Kylian Mbappe joined Los Blancos, Vinicius has lost his position as the team's top player, and under Alonso, who has not given him the same protagonism as Carlo Ancelotti, his standing has only gotten worse. This season, the Brazilian has only played in three games and has been benched three times.
"I am leaving the club," said Vinicius.
Rodrygo Goes replaced Vinicius in the 72nd minute of El Clásico, a move that was poorly received. When he realised his number was up, he said, "Me?! "Coach, coach!" The Athletic said. "Come on, Vini, darn it," Alonso retorted. Vinicius was heard stating, "Always me, I am leaving the team, it is best if I leave, I am leaving," after he had left the field.
After charging down the tunnel, the 25-year-old was escorted back onto the bench. At the final whistle, he would also be a part of the chaos.
According to the most recent information from Diario AS, Vinicius is seriously considering quitting the team next summer if his circumstances do not improve. Cadena SER supports this, explaining that Vinicius does not believe Alonso is treating him fairly or with respect for his position. Vinicius will look for new opportunities if Alonso does not see him as necessary to his schemes.
Real Madrid's position
Real Madrid has not batted an eye, and while they have no plans to penalise him, they are also unhappy with Vinicius' actions. Although they totally support their boss and believe the response was unwarranted, they plan to let Alonso handle it. The likelihood that he would leave in the summer is increasing because he only has 18 months left on his contract, and there is no indication that it will be renewed.
DISCIPLINARY BLOW: MADRID PLAYER SUSPENDED POST EL CLáSICO TUSSLE
Real Madrid's backup keeper Andriy Lunin has been handed a one-game suspension by the RFEF for his aggressive conduct on the bench during the heated final moments of El Clásico. Real Madrid's appeal was rejected.
El Clásico Scuffle - Photo Credit Getty Images
Los Blancos' goalie Andriy Lunin has been suspended for one game by the RFEF Disciplinary Committee for his involvement in the sideline dramas during the El Clásico's final moments. Although the cameras did not catch it, referee Soto Grado did record that he had sent the Ukrainian off.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the RFEF responded as follows when asked why Lunin received a red card.
The reason for Lunin, Andrii's expulsion in the 90th minute was that he had to be restrained by his teammates after he walked aggressively from his bench to the blonde bench.
The disciplinary committee of the RFEF
"When considered significant, those whose behaviour violates sporting order will be suspended for four to ten games or fined between 602 and 3,006 euros."
Because of Lunin's actions, which constituted a minor violation of the sporting order, he was suspended for one game. The ruling had been challenged by Real Madrid. However, the RFEF stayed steadfast, defending the referee's ruling and the evidence in the match report and on film.
Now, the backup goalie will not play against Valencia this weekend, where he is probably going to be benched. Fran Gonzalez and Sunico, both from the youth team, might be called up as the matchday squad's third choice, with Sergio Mestre serving as a backup.
No Barcelona players or any other Real Madrid players were slapped with bans following the two flash moments in the closing stages of the game. When Vinicius Jr. and Lamie Yamal argued, even players who were not on the team were spotted shoving on the side of the field. The RFEF, however, determined that nothing that came to pass would justify further prohibitions.
ARSENAL STAR DROPS CONFIDENT TITLE HINT AFTER STRONG OPENING
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is targeting a historic Premier League and World Cup double with England this season. The winger believes it's a "doable" feat as the Gunners lead the title race.
Bukayo Saka - (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC)
According to Bukayo Saka, it is feasible for Arsenal and England to win both games this season. The season has started well for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta's leadership.
Arsenal leads the Premier League standings by four points at the moment and is starting to look like a title contender. Manchester City is only one point ahead of defending champions Liverpool, who are seven points behind.
Saka, however, is not only interested in winning at his club; he also hopes to succeed internationally. Manager Thomas Tuchel has stated that winning the trophy is his ambition for England, who have qualified for the World Cup in the USA next year.
Saka is optimistic about his club's and his nation's chances of winning. "Yeah, that is my prayer," he remarked in an interview with Sky Sports. It is possible, of course.