Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid player
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Vinicius Jr. did not have the ideal start to the new La Liga season, but Jose Mourinho is in no mood to panic.
The Brazilian endured a difficult evening during Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Espanyol, struggling to find his usual influence and becoming increasingly involved in confrontations with opposition players.
A yellow card followed, while the noise around his performance grew as the match went on.
Yet, according to MARCA, Mourinho’s view of the situation is very different from the reaction outside the club.
The Real Madrid manager still sees Vinicius as one of the central figures in his project and believes the Brazilian will return to his best level with time, fitness and confidence.
More importantly, Mourinho has made sure the player knows exactly where he stands.
After publicly defending him, the Portuguese coach also spoke to Vinicius privately with a clear message that he has his manager’s support.
Mourinho will not change his view on Vinicius
Mourinho is not worried about Vinicius’ form at the moment. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Vinicius’ performance against Espanyol was not the standard he expects from himself.
He spent too much time getting involved in confrontations, allowing the physical and emotional side of the match to take him away from his football.
That is a pattern Mourinho wants to help him control, particularly because Vinicius can become an even more decisive player when his focus remains entirely on the game.
As put by the outlet, just one disappointing performance has not changed Mourinho’s thinking.
Simply put, the season has only just started, and the Brazilian is still working towards his sharpest physical condition.
Mourinho believes his performances will improve naturally as he plays more minutes, develops a stronger understanding with his teammates and settles into the manager’s demands.
Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid player
Vinicius struggled to make an impact against Espanyol. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
That is why this situation should not be interpreted as a warning over Vinicius’ place in the side.
Quite the opposite.
Mourinho considers him a fundamental part of the team and has no intention of allowing one difficult night to create uncertainty around his importance.
Vinicius received constant boos, but Mourinho stepped in
The Espanyol match was difficult for Vinicius for more than just footballing reasons.
The Brazilian was subjected to whistles, boos and insults throughout the game, creating another hostile environment.
For what it is worth, Mourinho understood the situation.
Hence, rather than leaving Vinicius to deal with the criticism alone, the manager chose to defend him publicly after the final whistle, followed by a private conversation to give him confidence.
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager
Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images
Real Madrid have reached the final stretch of the summer transfer window with Jose Mourinho happy to stop shopping.
According to journalist Ben Fernandes Santos, the Portuguese manager considers his squad complete and is not expecting either new arrivals or departures before the window closes.
The journalist reports that if the decision rested entirely with Mourinho, Real Madrid’s transfer business would already be finished.
The reality, however, is that the window is still open, meaning the club cannot completely rule out movement.
Simply put, a late offer for an existing player or an unexpected departure could force Real Madrid to reconsider their plans.
For now, though, the focus is on the players already available rather than identifying another target.
Six signings and Mourinho is satisfied
Jose Mourinho is happy with the current squad. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Real Madrid’s summer business has already been one of significant change.
Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate, Bernardo Silva, Yan Diomande, Carlos Espí and Denzel Dumfries have all joined the club, giving Mourinho new options across several areas of the pitch.
The scale of that rebuild explains why there is little appetite for another late signing.
Real Madrid identified the areas they wanted to strengthen at the beginning of the window and have spent the summer addressing them.
The squad now has greater depth, more tactical flexibility and several new faces competing for places.
For Mourinho, the priority is not to add another player simply because the transfer market remains open, as he wants to work with the group he has.
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager
Mourinho is not expecting new signings or player departures. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
In simple words, the club is not searching for a seventh signing or preparing a major deadline-day move.
Unless something changes internally, the current squad is expected to be the one Mourinho takes into the new season.
Real Madrid will react only if…
The transfer window may feel closed from Mourinho’s perspective, but the club understands things can change at any point.
Hence, Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on the final days because an unexpected exit would alter the equation.
If a player leaves, particularly from an area where the squad would suddenly become short of options, the club could return to the market.
For now, though, there is no indication that a departure is being pursued by Mourinho.