Brazil national team coach Carlo Ancelotti was direct when discussing the recent controversy involving Vinícius Jr. after the player’s frustrated reaction to being substituted by Xabi Alonso during El Clásico against Barcelona. During a press conference announcing his squad for the upcoming friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia, the Italian manager confirmed that he had a private conversation with the player and diplomatically settled the matter.

“I spoke with Vinícius about what happened. I told him he made a mistake, he understood, and he apologized. The issue is closed. He’s a very important player, both for Brazil and for his club,” explained Ancelotti, who emphasized that he maintains a relationship of respect and closeness with the Real Madrid star.

The coach also made it clear that his role doesn’t go beyond the professional sphere: “I’m not his father or his brother, just his coach. What matters to me is that he’s doing well, that he’s motivated, and focused on helping the team.”

Total Reconciliation with Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid

Ancelotti’s remarks echoed those of Xabi Alonso, who also confirmed that the incident had been fully resolved internally. “It was important for me that we talked about it on Wednesday. He spoke with all his teammates and with me. It’s completely settled. These things can happen, but they shouldn’t be repeated,” said the Madrid coach ahead of the team’s trip to Anfield for the Champions League.

The Real Madrid manager praised the player’s maturity and commitment to the team. Vinícius, for his part, publicly apologized on social media to the club, the coaching staff, and the fans, closing an episode that had generated significant attention in recent days.

A New Chapter for Ancelotti and Brazil

Beyond the Vinícius case, Carlo Ancelotti used the press conference to discuss the future of the Brazilian National Team. He confirmed that he will take 26 players to the 2026 World Cup and stressed the importance of the upcoming friendlies in finalizing the roster. He also highlighted the return of Fabinho and the progress of young talents such as Vitor Roque and Luciano Juba, who are fighting to secure their place in the squad.

With the episode behind him, Vinícius Jr. can now focus on the decisive stretch of the season with Real Madrid, while Ancelotti continues to shape a Brazil side that is competitive and disciplined—built on self-criticism and open dialogue, the pillars of the Italian coach’s new era.