Former Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira shared thoughtful and, at times, pointed reflections in an interview with AS, touching on the club’s recent coaching transition, Vinícius Jr.’s evolution, and the broader responsibilities that come with superstardom.
Khedira, who shared a dressing room with some of Madrid’s most influential figures during a golden era, did not hide his disappointment over how things unfolded for Xabi Alonso.
“I was very sorry Xabi Alonso wasn’t given more time. We can speculate
about the internal reasons, but for me he remains an extraordinary coach who will soon manage another great European club and be successful again. Sometimes you have a dressing room full of personalities who aren’t yet ready for your idea of football or your way of managing it.”
The German suggested that timing and context are often decisive in football. Even elite coaches, in his view, can struggle if the squad dynamic does not fully align with their tactical or managerial philosophy.
Khedira also weighed in on Vinícius Jr.’s development under different managers, highlighting how tactical frameworks can shape a player’s impact.
“With Ancelotti, Vinicius came close—deservedly so—to winning the Ballon d’Or. With Xabi, he was more constrained by the system because his teams prioritize the collective over the individual. Arbeloa has freed him up in a different way, and that’s already noticeable on the pitch.”
The comments underline a broader tactical debate: structure versus individual freedom. Under Carlo Ancelotti, Vinícius flourished with space to attack defenders relentlessly. Under Xabi Alonso, according to Khedira, the Brazilian’s role appeared more system-oriented. Now, with Álvaro Arbeloa at the helm, there are signs of a renewed emphasis on unlocking Vinícius’ one-on-one explosiveness.
Khedira also addressed the recent controversy involving Vinícius and Prestianni, urging caution while drawing a firm line on racism.
“The truth is, nobody knows exactly what happened between Prestianni and Vinicius. We all agree that racism has no place anywhere, not even in the stands. If that word was uttered, it is intolerable and must result in a severe punishment after an investigation.
“That Vini sometimes provokes people isn’t new. He must be aware that he’s a role model for millions of children, just like Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi were. Cristiano also showed a lot of ego at the beginning… until he understood his impact and assumed a leadership role. That’s the next step for Vini. But none of that justifies racist insults. Nobody has the right to discriminate against another person because of their skin color or origin. And it’s sad to have to repeat that so many times.”
