The winger’s recent performances have drawn mixed reactions from the Santiago Bernabeu faithful, with some supporters whistling the player during Tuesday’s 2-1 Champions League victory over Inter Milan. Mourinho, however, has remained a staunch defender of the forward, personally escorting him to the bench after his substitution to demonstrate his support.
Mourinho Focuses on Work-Rate and Tactical Balance
Mourinho acknowledged that while the forward is currently not at his peak, his commitment to the team’s defensive structure has been exemplary. During the win against Inter, the Brazilian recorded nine recoveries, a statistic the manager highlighted as evidence of his dedication to the collective effort despite his current struggles in front of goal.
The Portuguese coach, who returned to the club to stabilize the squad following a turbulent 2025/26 season, emphasized that the current tactical challenges involving the team's attacking trio—Vinicius, Kylian Mbappe, and Jude Bellingham—are manageable. Mourinho dismissed concerns regarding their compatibility, noting that the players do not occupy conflicting positions on the pitch.
Looking Ahead to Rayo Vallecano
The focus now shifts to domestic duties as Real Madrid looks to bounce back from a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Real Betis in their last league outing. With Barcelona currently setting the pace at the top of the table, Madrid cannot afford further dropped points when they host Rayo Vallecano this Saturday.
Mourinho remains confident that the breakthrough is imminent, citing the forward’s work ethic in training and matches as the foundation for his eventual return to form. The manager recalled the player’s clinical displays against Benfica last season as the standard he expects, stating that the version of Vinicius at his best is one that consistently decides matches. For now, the club is banking on that work-rate to bridge the gap until the forward finds his lethal edge once again.
