Mourinho Defends Vinícius
José Mourinho Defends Vinícius Júnior Following Hostile Crowd Reaction at Bernabéu
Anonymous
Key Points
1
Real Madrid’s goals came from Kylian Mbappé and Federico Valverde, securing all three points after Inter mounted a late challenge.
2
Vinícius has made five appearances for Madrid this season, recording one goal and two assists before the Inter match; he was unable to add to those numbers against Inter.
3
Mourinho said Vinícius renewed his long-term contract with Real Madrid during the summer, following a difficult 2025-26 season in which he was frequently whistled by supporters frustrated with his performances.
4
Mourinho described the match as unusually open, saying it could have ended “6-6 or something like that,” and criticized defensive lapses after Inter scored while praising Madrid’s compactness at other times.
5
Real Madrid were missing Bernardo Silva, Arda Güler and Eduardo Camavinga through suspension, while Trent Alexander-Arnold was used in central midfield despite Mourinho saying the player’s characteristics were not ideal for that position.
Real Madrid beat Inter Milan 2-1 in their Champions League opener, but the victory was overshadowed by fans booing Vinícius Júnior when he left the field late in the match. José Mourinho walked with the Brazilian toward the bench, applauding and hugging him in a show of public support 101 Great Goals. The forward did not score or assist against Inter, continuing a difficult stretch for the star player.
Mourinho defended Vinícius after the match, saying the Brazilian deserves respect for his effort and work rate Business Upturn. The manager acknowledged that Vinícius is not yet at his best but insisted he can return to form and help Real Madrid win matches. The defender came as Vinícius faces mounting criticism from sections of the Bernabéu crowd following a tough 2025-26 season.
Mbappé and Valverde Secure Win in Chaotic Contest
Kylian Mbappé and Federico Valverde scored the goals that gave Real Madrid all three points against Inter. The match was unusually open and unpredictable, with Mourinho later saying it could have ended "6-6 or something like that" Yahoo Sports. Inter mounted a late challenge and pulled one back, but Real Madrid held on despite defensive lapses at key moments.
Vinícius Struggles Continue Despite Contract Renewal
Vinícius has recorded one goal and two assists across five appearances this season before the Inter match Yahoo Sports. The Brazilian renewed his long-term deal with Real Madrid over the summer, but his performances have been inconsistent. Fans have whistled and booed him frequently since last season, when he battled through a difficult campaign that left supporters frustrated with his impact.
Mourinho Praises Work Rate Amid Ongoing Struggles
Mourinho stopped short of calling Vinícius' performance good but emphasized his commitment to the team New York Times. "He deserves respect," the manager said, backing the forward despite clear evidence that the player has not yet found his rhythm. Mourinho noted that Inter's three-center-back system made the match particularly difficult, and he remains confident Vinícius will rediscover the form that makes him capable of deciding games.
Real Madrid Missing Key Players in Midfield Battle
Real Madrid were without Bernardo Silva, Arda Güler, and Eduardo Camavinga due to suspension against Inter. Mourinho deployed Trent Alexander-Arnold in central midfield, though he acknowledged the English defender's characteristics were not ideal for that role Yahoo Sports. The lineup adjustments highlighted the depth challenges facing Madrid early in their Champions League campaign.
Sentiment
Mostly NegativeNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
15
Articles
17
Reach
32
A
AnonymousAuthor
