Real Madrid News
Real Madrid winger lashes out on the touchline after being ignored for substitution
Real Madrid came back from a goal down to secure a hard-fought victory over RCD Mallorca at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday afternoon.
The Bernabeu rejoiced at the win while the players seemingly enjoyed themselves despite there being moments when tempers flared on the pitch.
But, one Real Madrid star who cut a frustrated figure on the day was Marco Asensio. Coming up against his former team, the 26-year-old winger was hoping to get some game-time but had to watch on from the sidelines as Carlo Ancelotti did not deem it necessary to call on him.
Asensio’s anger boiled over in the second period when he was overlooked by the manager after Lucas Vazquez picked up an injury. Ancelotti threw on Dani Carvajal in place of the injured Spaniard, which drew a fiery reaction from Asensio.
As reported by MARCA, the former RCD Mallorca ace got up from where he was seated and threw his bib to the ground in anger before kicking a water bottle as he expressed his frustration over the lack of game-time coming towards him.
Asensio has fallen to the bottom of the pecking order in Real Madrid’s attacking department. The Spaniard had been informed about his standing well ahead of the season and was made available for a transfer. However, a lack of offers to his preference saw the winger stay put.
But, having remained at the club, Asensio has played just 17 minutes of football so far for Real Madrid, featuring for seven minutes against Celta Vigo in La Liga and ten minutes in the Champions League clash versus Celtic.
It will be interesting to see what Ancelotti makes of the Spanish international’s angry reaction on the touchline during the Mallorca clash.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid dressing room heavyweight raises concern over Vinicius: “We have to make him happy again”
One of the major sagas of the summer transfer window was the contract renewal involving Vinicius Junior.
Real Madrid and Vinicius had been in talks over a new deal for a significant period, and there were stages when it felt like an agreement might not be reached.
However, in the end, the film had a happy ending, with the 26-year-old putting pen to paper on a new deal at the club.
Despite the new deal, there are some concerns over Vinicius that have now reached the dressing room.
As quoted by Diario AS, an unnamed dressing-room heavyweight approached Mourinho after the game and expressed worry about the treatment Vinicius is receiving from a section of the Bernabeu crowd.
“Worried about Vini
The concern came after Vinicius was heavily whistled when he was substituted late in the Inter match, despite producing one of his stronger collective performances of the season.
“Boss, I am worried about Vini,” the senior player told Mourinho.
“After everything he has done for Madrid over the years, the way part of the fans have treated him is not normal. We have to make him happy again.”
This is no longer only about outside criticism or Mourinho publicly defending one of his forwards. The dressing room itself has recognised that Vinicius may need support.
Mourinho still sees Vinicius as untouchable
Despite how the crowd have been treating the 26-year-old, within the club, there is no doubt about what Vinicius brings to the table.
Mourinho sees him as one of the first names on the team sheet and an untouchable player in his plans for the club.
To his credit, the Brazilian has shown far greater defensive commitment and a willingness to sacrifice himself for the sake of his team.
This has undoubtedly led Mourinho to appreciate the effort, and the manager is determined to help Vinicius return to his best level.
Madrid need to protect one of their key players
That approach makes sense.
Vinicius has spent years carrying enormous attacking responsibility at Madrid. A difficult spell should not suddenly erase what he has already shown he can provide.
If Mourinho, the president and the dressing room are all united behind Vinicius, that support could be decisive.
It is high time the Bernabeu crowd also got behind their talisman and gave him the support he deserves.
The Brazilian will also have to become more consistent with his performances, and it remains to be seen how Mourinho addresses this situation.
