"Yes, or at least he has thought about it. When Vinicius muttered "I'm going to leave this team" as he was replaced in Sunday's El Clasico win, it wasn't a new thought. That idea had already surfaced at the end of the last transfer window. No formal offer ever arrived, and those close to the player later recognised the comments were largely emotional, a reaction to a clash with Xabi Alonso before the Club World Cup match against Paris St-Germain."
"Vinicius no longer feels 'untouchable'. Under Carlo Ancelotti, he had the freedom to express himself, to improvise, to lead by instinct, and be the creative heartbeat of a side that often revolved around him. Under Xabi Alonso, the environment is more structured, or if you listen to some representative of some players, 'more rigid' - a clear tactic to undermine what is being done."
Vinicius Jr reacted angrily when substituted against Barcelona and muttered 'I'm going to leave this team', reflecting prior thoughts after the last transfer window. Those close to him said the comments were emotional and followed a clash with Xabi Alonso before the Club World Cup match against Paris St-Germain. Vinicius feels he is no longer 'untouchable' after enjoying freedom under Carlo Ancelotti. Xabi Alonso has imposed a more structured, positional and disciplined approach that many players find unfamiliar and less forgiving. The manager considers the structure non-negotiable after a season of underachievement. The situation requires delicate management to avoid escalation.
Read at www.bbc.com
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