Brazil national team head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has disclosed details of his private conversation with Vinícius Júnior following the player’s heated reaction during Real Madrid’s El Clásico victory over Barcelona.
Vinícius sparked controversy after angrily confronting Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso when he was substituted in the 72nd minute of the encounter, with Madrid still leading 2–1. The forward, clearly displeased with the decision to replace him with Rodrygo, displayed visible frustration as he left the pitch.
The 25-year-old Brazilian winger later issued a public apology to Alonso, his teammates, the supporters, and the entire club — an act that helped ease mounting criticism from fans and pundits alike.
Speaking on the incident, Ancelotti, who previously managed Vinícius during his own tenure at Real Madrid, said he addressed the situation directly with the player.
“I spoke to Vinícius about the El Clásico issue with Xabi Alonso, about the reaction,” Ancelotti told The TouchlineX. “I told him what I thought, that he made a mistake. He understood. He apologised, I think it’s resolved.”
Ancelotti’s remarks suggest the matter has been fully settled, with both player and coach eager to move past the episode as Brazil prepares for upcoming international fixtures.