Vini - superztars

Currently, tensions are high at Real Madrid. Reports suggest that Vinicius Jr. and coach Xabi Alonso are experiencing significant friction in their relationship.

Following Vinicius’s recent stint on the bench during the 2-2 draw against Elche, he is reportedly hesitant to extend his contract until relations with Alonso improve. Nonetheless, conflicts between players and their coaches are not uncommon in football.

A glance into history reveals that such disputes can escalate dramatically.

Zlatan vs. Pep

Let’s rewind to 2009. In front of nearly 60,000 fans at Camp Nou, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was introduced as a new star for Barcelona. However, his time there was short-lived.

📸 LLUIS GENE – 2010 AFP

After a promising start, Zlatan frequently clashed with coach Pep Guardiola, culminating in a heated confrontation following Barcelona’s Champions League semi-final loss to Inter Milan. He publicly confronted Pep, unleashing insults and was subsequently loaned to Inter just three months later.

Casillas vs. Mourinho

A similar rift emerged between player and coach at Real Madrid, causing a stir among fans. In winter 2012, supporters labeled club legend Iker Casillas a “mole” following his benching against Malaga by coach José Mourinho.

Casillas later spoke to the media about internal conflicts, and only after Mourinho departed in the summer of 2013 and Casillas healed from an injury did normalcy return—after a 238-day absence from the pitch.

Ronaldo vs. ten Hag

Another notable clash occurred between Cristiano Ronaldo and Eric ten Hag. After rejoining Manchester United in August 2021, Ronaldo initially enjoyed a warm reception.

In his first match back at Old Trafford, he scored during a 4-1 victory against Newcastle. However, after failing to secure a title and missing Champions League qualification, Ronaldo sought to leave by the summer of 2022.

After negotiations failed, tensions rose with coach Ten Hag, leading the club to terminate Ronaldo’s contract in November. In a subsequent interview, Ronaldo expressed feeling “betrayed” by Ten Hag.

Aubameyang vs. Tuchel

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is often recognized for his playful celebrations after scoring, but he has had his moments of turmoil as well.

📸 Shaun Botterill – 2016 Getty Images

During the 2017/18 season, Aubameyang had recurrent conflicts with Borussia Dortmund and coach Thomas Tuchel, as he frequently skipped training and meetings, all to facilitate a transfer to Arsenal FC, which ultimately succeeded in January 2018.

Beckham vs. Ferguson

In 2003, David Beckham’s departure from Manchester United came with its dramatic moments. A confrontation with coach Sir Alex Ferguson played out like a scene from a movie.

Following a FA Cup defeat against Arsenal, Ferguson famously hurled a shoe in the locker room, narrowly missing Beckham’s eye, igniting a conflict that had been brewing due to Ferguson’s criticism of Beckham’s lifestyle. Beckham soon made the decision to join Real Madrid.

This article has been translated into English using Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

📸 PATRICK HERTZOG