"Sometimes passion gets the better of me" - Vinicius releases statement after angry reaction in Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona

Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr has issued an apology for reacting angrily after Xabi Alonso took him off in their 2-1 win over Barcelona on Sunday, October 26. He explained that the reaction came out of his passion for the game.

Vinicus Jr posted an apology on social media, revealing that he had spoken to Alonso directly and also apologised to the teammates and the club president. The Brazilian also promised to keep fighting for the club, and posted:

"Today I want to apologize to all the Madridistas for my reaction when I was substituted in the Clasico. Just as I have already done in person during today’s training, I also want to apologise again to my teammates, the club, and the president.

"Sometimes passion gets the better of me because I always want to win and help my team. My competitive character stems from the love I feel for this club and everything it represents. I promise to keep fighting every second for the good of Real Madrid, as I have done since the first day."

Barcelona legend Rivaldo has questioned whether there was any issue between the player and the manager. He also hinted that the coach might be targeting the best player in the squad to send a message to the others. He said (via Madrid Xtra):

“I don’t know if there’s something personal between Vinicius and Alonso, but sometimes it happens that a coach chooses the most prominent player to gain the group’s respect. Vini, being the best player in the world last year, might become a target for this. If I can do this with Vini, I can do it with any other player.”

Vinicius Jr's angry reaction saw him mutter 'I should leave the club' as he came off the pitch in the win over Barcelona.

Former Real Madrid star not happy with Vinicius Jr's reaction

Former Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes was not happy with Vinicius Jr, calling it disrespectful towards the manager and the teammates. He was on Tiempo de Juego right after the win over Barcelona, and he said (via SI):

"First of all, it seems to me like a lack of respect for the coach, because he has to make decisions. You can be angry, you can show your discontent, and then let your coach know about it the next day. I also think it's a lack of respect for the player who's coming on, who's a teammate of yours, not just at Madrid but on the national team as well. And a lack of respect for the fans, the coaching staff, everyone."

Vinicius Jr played 72 minutes in the 2-1 win over Barcelona, coming off for Rodrygo. He has now played 90 minutes for Real Madrid just three times in 19 games under Xabi Alonso.