Jose Mourinho plans to bench Vinicius Junior to revive Real Madrid forward’s form

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior is set to begin the club’s next match against Villarreal on the substitutes’ bench, with head coach Jose Mourinho hoping the decision will provoke a response from the Brazil international.

Mourinho’s choice is not intended to make Vinicius a permanent reserve. Instead, the Portuguese coach wants to use a spell on the bench to encourage the forward, who is currently struggling to produce his best form.

Under Mourinho’s plan, Vinicius will come on during the match against Villarreal before returning to the starting line-up for the games that follow.

The manager is also aiming to have the Brazilian back at his best in time for Real Madrid’s El Clasico meeting with Barcelona.