Mourinho praises Vinicius Junior and says Real Madrid changes will continue

Jose Mourinho defended Vinicius Junior after Real Madrid’s victory over RB Leipzig, saying the forward’s substitution was not a reflection of dissatisfaction with his performance.

Mourinho was asked at his post-match news conference whether Vinicius looked unhappy and needed more support from supporters than ever before. The Real Madrid manager said only the player could know how he truly felt, but praised his contribution in both defence and attack.

“Whether Vinicius is sad or not is a very personal matter,” Mourinho said. “You can have your own opinion, but only he knows what he really feels. I was pleased with his performance.

“People always expect more from him. They want him to decide situations on his own, but I liked his performance today. Of the three forwards, he had the greatest defensive responsibility because their right-back kept moving into the centre, between the lines. Vinicius worked very well defensively – only once did the ball get through into the central area.”

Mourinho also said Vinicius had performed effectively despite not beating his opponent on every occasion.

“From an attacking point of view, he did not always get past his opponent, but he played in a balanced way and did not lose the ball,” he added. “He also had an excellent chance, when the goalkeeper made a fine save.”

The manager said his decision to replace Vinicius was instead a consequence of Real Madrid’s strength on the bench. Mourinho explained that players such as Diomande and Endrick could be introduced to alter the tempo and offer different qualities.

“You will have to get used to this,” Mourinho said. “There will often be times when I take off a player who is playing well in order to bring on somebody else who can offer something different.”

Mourinho agreed that Vinicius needed the backing of the supporters, but said the effect of criticism could depend on where it happened.

“I understand your question. Yes, I believe he needs everyone’s support,” he said. “When a player goes on to the pitch in an away match and hears the supporters booing him, that can often give him extra motivation. But when it happens at home... it hurts.”

Mourinho’s side will next face Barcelona in El Clasico. The match will be played at Camp Nou on 25 October.

The quotes were reported by Gazeta.Ru.