Mourinho says Vinícius must earn Real Madrid place on form
José Mourinho has made clear that Vinícius Júnior’s standing at Real Madrid will depend on form rather than reputation, even as the Brazilian is expected to return to the side against RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Vinícius faces a performance test on European return
Vinícius is unavailable domestically while he completes a four-match LaLiga suspension, leaving Europe as his only current route into competitive action. His last Champions League outing, away to Roma last week, was a difficult one: he was taken off in the 58th minute before Endrick came on and helped Madrid to a 4-3 victory.
The 25-year-old has retained Mourinho’s public support through a subdued spell, but his output stands at only one Real Madrid goal in all competitions this season. The pressure on his place has increased following the arrival of Yan Diomande, the club’s record summer signing.
Mourinho rejected the suggestion that any individual should be guaranteed a role. He said the only untouchable element at Madrid was the club badge, arguing that selection must be based on performances rather than seniority, captaincy or status.
Mourinho adjusts selection as Madrid chase control in Europe
Madrid have opened their Champions League campaign with two wins from two, overcoming Inter Milan and Roma to take maximum points. Mourinho, however, is not framing the campaign around lifting the trophy at this stage.
His immediate target is qualification for the knockout phase, followed by a league-phase finish high enough to avoid the play-off round. Mourinho described those extra two matches as a source of avoidable pressure.
That pragmatic approach was visible in Sunday’s 4-1 LaLiga victory over Sevilla at the Bernabéu. Mourinho reshaped his team by using Arda Güler in central midfield, while Diomande and Endrick both started. The manager said he is willing to review his ideas and make changes when he believes they will improve the side.
- Madrid began their Champions League schedule with wins against Inter Milan and Roma.
- Vinícius was substituted after 58 minutes during the 4-3 win in Rome, with Endrick making a decisive impact from the bench.
- Mourinho rotated against Sevilla, handing starts to Endrick and Diomande and moving Güler into midfield for a 4-1 home win.
- Vinícius is now in line to start against RB Leipzig while serving his domestic ban.
- Madrid will then turn back to LaLiga and Sunday’s Clásico against Barcelona at Camp Nou.
League position adds weight to Clásico
Real Madrid trail LaLiga leaders Barcelona by six points ahead of the weekend meeting at Camp Nou. The contrast between their domestic position and unbeaten European start gives Mourinho two different priorities: close the gap in Spain while securing a smooth route through the Champions League league phase.
- Vinícius has scored once for Madrid in all competitions this season.
- His LaLiga suspension lasts four games, but it does not prevent him from playing in Europe.
- Madrid have six Champions League points after victories over Inter Milan and Roma.
- Endrick and Diomande strengthened their cases for further involvement in the Sevilla win.
- Mourinho’s stated Champions League aim is qualification and avoiding the play-off round, rather than discussing title favouritism.
Konaté praises Mourinho and explains Ceuta shirt decision
Defender Ibrahima Konaté said Mourinho commands unusual respect within the squad, describing the manager as someone whose presence alone ensures players listen. Konaté added that the group want to achieve success under him.
Konaté also addressed the September incident in which he, Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius did not wear a pre-match shirt backing the Spanish city of Ceuta during a migration crisis. The France international said he did not understand the message printed on the shirt and had been concentrating on the match.
He referred to his own family background, noting that his parents came from Africa and that many people face circumstances connected to migration. Konaté said his decision was shaped by uncertainty over the shirt’s meaning rather than a fully formed understanding of the issue at the time.
