Former Real Madrid forward and ex sporting director Pedja Mijatovic has delivered a wide ranging assessment of Los Blancos, expressing full confidence in Xabi Alonso’s long term project while warning Vinicius Jr that Real Madrid “do not tolerate unhappy players.”
Speaking to Marca, the current Partizan sporting director analysed the club’s uneven start to the season, its internal dynamics, and the challenges ahead as Madrid look to build around Kylian Mbappé.
“I trust Xabi Alonso completely” Mijatovic backs the project
Mijatovic was unwavering in his support for Real Madrid’s new coach:
“Xabi Alonso is a great coach; he knows exactly what he wants. Real Madrid have had an up and down start, but I am convinced the project will succeed. I trust him because I know how he works.”
He acknowledged that early inconsistency has raised debate, but urged patience and belief in the structure being built under Alonso.
Player discontent? “They must fix it with the coach or leave”
The Montenegrin warned that dissatisfaction among players is normal but unacceptable at Real Madrid if it persists:
“There are always players who aren’t content. But Real Madrid must define its philosophy without being influenced. If players are unhappy or not playing, they must resolve it with the coach and if not, they should move to another club.”
He noted he experienced similar frustrations during his own playing days.
Mijatovic criticises Vinicius Jr’s behaviour: “Great players have left, and Madrid kept winning”
When asked whether he would renew Vinicius Jr’s contract, Mijatovic avoided giving direct advice to the board but did not hesitate to highlight the Brazilian’s conduct:
“I believe he’s an excellent footballer… but his behaviour isn’t good. It needs to be said. He is making mistakes.”
He added that Real Madrid has always moved on from stars who do not fit:
“Real Madrid does not tolerate unhappy players. Either we fix things, or we part ways and nothing happens. Great players have departed, and Real Madrid continued to win.”
On Madrid’s sporting structure
Mijatovic once sporting director himself, said the club’s modern model still works effectively:
“Decisions are made jointly by the president and general director. There have been successful signings and some that didn’t work out, but that’s football.”
Why Madrid can’t retain La Liga? “It’s surprising you must be extremely consistent”
He admitted he is puzzled that Real Madrid haven’t won back to back La Liga titles since his era:
“People think La Liga is only Barcelona or Atletico, but it’s a long competition. To win two in a row you need incredible consistency.”
“Build around Mbappé don’t sign another superstar”
Mijatovic said the club should now construct its next dynasty around Kylian Mbappé, whom he describes as the best player in the world:
“Right now, Real Madrid has the best player in the world: Kylian Mbappé. They don’t need another heavyweight star.”
Instead, he insisted the club must focus on assembling the right supporting cast:
“We need two or three very good footballers, but not superstars of his calibre. Then we must ‘feed the beast’, as we did with Cristiano Ronaldo.”
He did not reveal names but hinted that promising young talents are already on Madrid’s radar.
