Jose Mourinho ready to bench superstar forward against Villarreal with El Clasico looming – report | OneFootball

Jose Mourinho is preparing a short-term change for Vinicius Jr. as Real Madrid look to get the Brazilian back to his best before the first El Clasico of the season.

According to Defensa Central, Vinicius is expected to begin the October 10 meeting with Villarreal on the bench. 

The outlet mentions that Mourinho does not view that decision as the start of a prolonged spell out of the team, with the manager instead planning to use the following matches to rebuild the winger’s rhythm and confidence.

Vinicius to start on bench vs Villarreal

The decision comes after a difficult opening stretch for the Brazilian. His influence has dipped, with his usual dribbling threat less consistent and his involvement in Madrid’s attacking play reduced.

Mourinho believes Vinicius needs a response, but the coaching staff also feel that keeping him out for several matches could create more uncertainty rather than solve the problem.

Mourinho wants to help Vinicius to get back in form. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)

The plan, therefore, is understood to be limited to Villarreal. Unless training changes the picture, Vinicius should return to the starting XI for the Champions League trip to Roma, followed by meetings with Sevilla and RB Leipzig.

Those games will give the winger an opportunity to rebuild momentum before Madrid face Barcelona.

Mourinho still sees Vinicius as essential

The decision is being viewed as a sporting measure rather than a loss of faith in the Brazilian.

Real Madrid have enough attacking options to make changes without significantly weakening their threat, allowing Mourinho to give Vinicius a brief reset while maintaining competition within the squad.

At the same time, the coaching staff believes his best football is more likely to return through regular involvement. 

Vinicius has scored just one goal for Real Madrid this season. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Vinicius needs competitive minutes, repeated actions and opportunities to regain his decisiveness rather than spending an extended period watching from the sidelines.

Real Madrid have a clear El Clasico timeline

The fixture list gives Mourinho a window to assess Vinicius before the meeting with Barcelona on October 25.

Madrid host Villarreal on October 10 before travelling to Roma four days later. 

Sevilla then visit the Bernabeu, followed by RB Leipzig, giving Vinicius three potential starts to sharpen his form before El Clásico.

Simply put, Mourinho’s approach is for the player to have a short rest rather than a permanent demotion, followed by sustained opportunities to prove his form is returning.