MADRID, Oct. 31 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said Friday there will be "no reprisal" against forward Vinicius Jr. for his angry reaction to being substituted in last weekend's win over Barcelona.
Alonso replaced Vinicius with Rodrygo in the 70th minute of the 2-1 victory. The Brazilian winger reacted by shouting and gesticulating before walking straight down the tunnel, though he later returned to the dugout for the match's closing moments.
Vinicius issued a statement during the week apologizing to teammates and fans for his behavior. The message did not mention Alonso.
Speaking to the press ahead of Saturday's La Liga match at home to Valencia, Alonso was asked if Vinicius had apologized to him directly.
"We had a meeting with everyone on Wednesday, and Vinicius was impeccable," Alonso replied. "He spoke sincerely, from the heart, and it was very good. The issue is closed for me."
The coach was also asked about not being mentioned in Vinicius's public statement and insisted he was not annoyed.
"It was a very valuable, very positive statement. He demonstrated his honesty and spoke from the heart. The most important thing is what he said, and I was very satisfied. The matter was closed on Wednesday," Alonso said, reiterating he would not take any action against the forward.
"There will be no reprisal. What worries me now is Valencia," he concluded. Enditem
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