Coach Xabi Alonso has publicly expressed his displeasure with his counterpart Diego Simeone following the latter's remarks targeting Vinicius Junior.
Alonso "tore Simeone apart" with blunt words.
In the early hours of January 9th, Real Madrid defeated Atletico 2-1, securing their place in the Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona. But what fans also noticed after the match was the exchange of blows between Vinicius and Simeone.
Speaking after the match, coach Alonso frankly criticized Simeone: "I try to respect the opposing players and usually don't mention them. When I read and heard what Simeone said to Vinicius, I was quite upset."
The incident originated in the first half. Television cameras captured Simeone approaching Vinicius on the touchline and saying, "Florentino will kick you out, remember what I said." The statement quickly spread on social media, igniting controversy surrounding the Atletico coach's actions.
Tensions continued to escalate in the second half. In the 80th minute, Vinicius left the field to make way for Arda Güler. As he walked off, he was met with boos from the stands. Simeone approached, trying to draw the Real Madrid striker's attention to the fans' reaction, as if to emphasize that the discontent was directed at him.
Vinicius lost his temper. He turned around and reacted violently, causing immediate chaos in the area between the two coaching benches. Xabi Alonso, watching from a distance, shouted at Simeone: "Mind your own team, you bastard!"
Alonso also criticized Simeone's behavior, saying it was not a good example for someone involved in sports . The Real Madrid coach emphasized: "I think you have to have respect. What happens on the pitch has limits."