Jorge Valdano, former Real Madrid player, coach and CEO
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
There has been plenty of discussion about what happened with Vinicius Jr. in last Saturday’s match between Espanyol and Real Madrid (1-2).
The Brazilian winger received a kick from an opposition player while on the floor, but the incident was overlooked by the referee as well as the VAR.
Moreover, the 26-year-old superstar was once again at the receiving end of boos and whistles from opposition fans at the RCDE Stadium.
Following the match, Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho did not hesitate to say that the Brazilian is being bullied by opponents and supporters.
“From the first minute, it’s like he’s already been given a set routine. Now I foul him, now you foul him, one player gets a yellow card, another comes on without one. It’s incredibly frustrating for him; he needs to have a lot of mental control,” Mourinho said.
“I’ve even told him that if he scores, he should be careful how he celebrates. We’re in a social era of anti-bullying, but with Vini, we’re still in the era of bullying,” he added.
Jose Mourinho, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid
Mourinho came out strong in defence of Vinicius after the game. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Jorge Valdano gives his take
Now, former Real Madrid manager and director Jorge Valdano has given his assessment of the Brazilian on Movistar.
“Madridismo backs Vinicius and, of course, his coach backs Vinicius,” Valdano began.
The Argentine then immediately pointed out the apparent contradiction in Mourinho’s current stance, compared to what the manager had said while he was at Benfica last season.
“But the coach was at Benfica just three months ago and, regarding Vinicius, he said other things,” said Valdano, taking a dig at Mourinho, with whom he does not have the best of relatioships.
For Valdano, the situation surrounding Vinicius has become one in which everyone believes they are right.
Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid player
Vinicius advised to direct his energy into the game. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
“Here, everyone thinks they are right about Vinicius. The opponents and the Madridistas ,” he added.
Valdano’s advice to Vinicius
Valdano then offered Vinicius some advice about how he should handle the situation, as he said:
“I understand that, little by little, Vini is going to have to understand that he needs to put his energy into the game because he’s a star, and that’s where he has to make the difference and build his empire.”
“Not through conflict, because that doesn’t benefit him or Real Madrid,” he concluded.
Mourinho has ‘blind faith’ in Real Madrid squad as true potential yet to be unlocked – report
Jose MOurinho, Real Madrid manager
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
Jose Mourinho got off to a winning start in his first official match back in charge of Real Madrid, with Los Blancos beating Espanyol 2-1.
Goals from Jude Bellingham and Carlos Espi secured the win for the Merengues, and there were positives to take from what was not a flawless performance.
Mourinho had to deal with a strange pre-season where he had players returning in batches after their World Cup duty.
Now, according to El Debate, Mourinho is completely convinced by the potential of his squad despite believing his players are still some way from reaching their best level physically.
The Portuguese manager has “blind faith” in the quality available to him and believes physical endurance is currently the main element preventing them from fully expressing themselves.
Mourinho convinced by his system
There is said to be considerable confidence inside the coaching staff in both the playing system Mourinho is implementing and the work being carried out behind the scenes.
Real Madrid are still adapting to the demands of their new manager, and the Portuguese tactician believes supporters have not yet seen the true version of his team.
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager
Complete faith in the squad. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
The expectation is that performances should improve considerably once the squad reaches the physical condition required to sustain Mourinho’s ideas throughout matches.
That is particularly significant because the coach apparently does not see his Real Madrid having one undisputed starting XI.
Around 20 players fighting for 11 places
The report claims Mourinho believes he has around 20 players capable of starting matches for Real Madrid.
Rather than establishing a rigid hierarchy immediately, he appears prepared to use the depth of his squad and allow competition to determine who plays.
That could become one of Real Madrid’s biggest strengths this season. Mourinho has plenty of established stars, but he also has different profiles available across several positions.
Having genuine alternatives should allow him to change his approach depending on the opposition without dramatically weakening the side.
Jose Mourinho of Real Madrid
Can Mourinho bring back success to Real Madrid? (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
This was especially visible in the game against Espanyol, where Carlos Espi came on and scored the winner in Joselu-esque fashion.
However, more than all this, the physical aspect remains important for Mourinho. If several players are capable of maintaining that level for 90 minutes, it makes his decision-making easier.
Hunger is not a concern
What Mourinho apparently does not question is the mentality of his players.
The squad is described as sharing the same hunger as their manager, something that should encourage Real Madrid supporters given Mourinho’s own relentless competitive nature.
The new era at the Santiago Bernabeu has got off to a winning start, but Jose will know that he will ultimately be judged by results and trophies.
He believes the system works, trusts the players and has a clear plan, and it is now on the squad to repay their manager’s faith.