Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has insisted that Rodrygo‘s absence against Paris Saint-Germain was not related to his future amid links to Arsenal.
Los Blancos suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat against PSG in the semi-final of the Club World Cup on Wednesday, with the victors exploiting a number of defensive vulnerabilities.
Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior started alongside striker Gonzalo Garcia in the forward line, but the trio failed to impress.
Attacker Rodrygo was an unused substitute against the French side, and it was the fifth consecutive match that the Brazilian had started on the bench.
Speaking to reporters after the final whistle, manager Alonso claimed that the Brazilian was left on the bench due to tactical reasons, saying: “I didn’t play Rodrygo for a technical decision. We thought we would be better off with other players. It’s not about his future.”
Rodrygo has been linked with a move away to a number of clubs this summer, with Arsenal said to be one of his most ardent admirers.
While Alonso has insisted that he is happy to keep Rodrygo at the club, the 24-year-old is unlikely to be satisfied with his position in the team considering he has rarely been allowed to play in his favoured left-sided role due to Mbappe and Vinicius Junior being prioritised.
