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XABI ALONSO REINVENTS VINICIUS JR WITH DARING NEW SYSTEM TWEAK

Vinicius Jr's "I'm going to leave" comment in El Clásico reveals a deep rift with Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso, stemming from a tactical demotion and reduced role under the new regime.

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Vinicius Jr - Photo Credit: AFP

The statement made by Vinicius Junior as he left during Sunday's El Clásico, "I am going to leave this team," was more than just an outburst of annoyance. It mirrored an increasing uneasiness that had started months earlier. Although there have never been any allegations that he has formally requested to leave the team, it is becoming more and more clear that Vini and Madrid's new coach do not get along.

The friction dates back to the Club World Cup, when Xabi Alonso shocked the dressing room by benching Vinicius for the semifinal match against PSG, according to a BBC story by Guilleme Balague. After Trent's injury, Vini eventually started the game, but Alonso's first decision was a clear indication that discipline and performance would take precedence over reputation.

Vinicius had almost complete creative control under Carlo Ancelotti, and Vini was the "franchise" player. But Alonso has adopted a more methodical and controlled style, emphasising team balance and structure while selecting Mbappe as his "go-to guy." For a player who thrives on instinct and independence, that transition has not been easy.

Alonso has reaffirmed that Rodrygo will compete and that Vinicius will not play every minute. The arguments and tantrums will go on throughout the season, or Vinicius will adjust to his new job.

POSITIVE UPDATE ON DéSIRé DOUé INJURY AFTER EARLY ALARMING REPORTS

PSG's Désiré Doué suffers a significant thigh injury, set to miss several weeks. Initial fears of a long absence are tempered by new reports suggesting a potential return before the end of 2025, with December a hopeful target.

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Doué’s situation is better than initially feared, reassuring - COURTESY/PHOTO

In Paris Saint-Germain's 1-1 draw with FC Lorient, 20-year-old Désiré Doué suffered his second major injury of the year. The France international departed the stadium on crutches after being taken off on a stretcher halfway through the first half. 

The Frenchman may actually miss several months of activity, as L'Équipe stated that Doué's absence will be measured in "weeks at least." Since then, the club has acknowledged that he has a right thigh injury. He will be out of play for a few weeks, PSG indicated, and they would provide further information after the international break.

An early comeback before the year's end?


But according to Fabrice Hawkins, Doué's injuries may not be as severe as initially thought. There is some optimism that he will return in 2025, possibly in December. In the event that he does not, he is expected to resume operations in January 2026.

BARCELONA CONFIRM SPOTIFY CAMP NOU REOPENING DATE FOR NOVEMBER

Barcelona's long-awaited return to the Spotify Camp Nou is imminent. The club expects the final license in mid-November, potentially allowing them to host Athletic Club on November 22nd for a historic homecoming after over a year away.

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Spotify Camp Nou prepares for fan return this November - Image via FC Barcelona

Barcelona has been looking forward to the day they may return to the Spotify Camp Nou ever since they left in June 2023. The club has set dates for returning home for the majority of the past 12 months, but none of them have been met as of yet. However, this could be about to change.

The Spotify Camp Nou can now accommodate games with up to 27,000 spectators after Barcelona's recent acquisition of the first occupancy license for phase 1A. Despite this, it was agreed that they would not return until they acquired the license for phase 1B, which would enable an additional 45,000 spectators to watch games. In the interim, it would be more cost-effective to play at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.

Barcelona's match against Elche this weekend at Montjuic may be their last La Liga match there. According to Sport, the club anticipates that between November 12 and 15, it will obtain the required license from the Barcelona City Council.

Barcelona has set dates for a potential comeback.


According to the source, a return next weekend is also feasible, although if this is the case, Barcelona would be able to play Athletic Club at the Spotify Camp Nou on November 22. On the 29th, which also marks the 126th anniversary of the club's founding, the Catalans play Alaves, providing an opportunity for a more elaborate celebration.

Although games should soon be able to be played in the famous stadium, it was recently reported that Barcelona plans to hold an open training session at the Spotify Camp Nou in preparation for their trip to Celta Vigo the following weekend.

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