Vinicius excited to work with Alonso at Real Madrid

Vinicius Junior is looking forward to “winning a lot of things” under Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid.

Carlo Ancelotti left Madrid to take up a role in charge of Brazil at the end of the LaLiga season, ending a four-year second spell in the Spanish capital.

Ancelotti leaves as Los Blancos’ most successful coach in terms of trophies won.

Alonso was brought in as his replacement ahead of the Club World Cup following his successful two-year stint at Bayer Leverkusen, where he led them to the Bundesliga title and DFB-Pokal success during an unbeaten domestic campaign in 2023-24.

Vinicius, meanwhile, is reportedly still in talks over a new contract, with Madrid keen to lock down his future.

He was their second-highest scorer behind Kylian Mbappe last term, with 11 goals in LaLiga, while his eight assists were a joint-team-high (level with Jude Bellingham). Only Luka Modric (66) created more chances than the Brazilian (59).

Vinicius is excited to get to work with Alonso and is targeting success under the new head coach.

“I had already spoken to the coach before,” Vinicius told Real Madrid TV.

“I’m very happy, and I have to keep working to win a lot of things with him. We’re training very hard.”

Madrid have already made three signings this transfer window, bolstering their squad as they look to improve on a season that saw them fail to win any of the domestic trophies on offer.

Premier League duo Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen completed their transfers in time to play in the Club World Cup, while Argentinian youngster Franco Mastantuono will join the LaLiga outfit on August 14, when he turns 18.

Vinicius has only recently linked up with Madrid after playing for Brazil during the international break, but he is positive his new team-mates can make an impact.

“I’ve spoken very little with them, but I’m happy that they’ve arrived to add points and that it’s a nice time for them here,” Vinicius added.