Jose Mourinho’s major challenge at Real Madrid involves getting two superstars to click | OneFootball

Jose Mourinho has made one attacking problem a major priority at Real Madrid: finding a way to make Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe function as a truly devastating partnership.

Journalist Tomas Roncero (via Mundo Deportivo) says Mourinho remains fully committed to Vinicius despite the criticism surrounding the Brazilian international.

The Portuguese tactician is said to have no intention of pushing him towards the bench, despite the pressure surrounding his poor form.

Vinicius remains central to Mourinho’s plans

Mourinho believes he needs Vinicius and is determined not to lose him mentally or football-wise.

The Brazilian may not currently be at his sharpest in attack, but the manager is said to be working closely with him and offering genuine support.

Madrid are working to get the best out of Vinicius. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Even the dressing room is said to be of the opinion that the 26-year-old being whistled by a section of the Bernabeu is not fair and that he deserves to be helped.

The message inside Madrid appears clear: Vinicius is still viewed as a fundamental player, and a few months of indifferent performances will not change that.

The real objective is Vinicius plus Mbappe

Roncero believes Mourinho’s biggest attacking goal is to finally create proper chemistry between Vinicius and Mbappe.

That has been one of Madrid’s unresolved issues since the Frenchman arrived.

Both players have produced goals, decisive moments and individual brilliance, but they have not consistently looked like a partnership that plays off each other’s strengths.

Mbappe naturally wants spaces where he can attack centrally, while Vinicius is most dangerous when he can isolate defenders from the left and drive inside.

Mbappe and Vinicius need to find a way to complement one another. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The challenge is giving both freedom without making Madrid’s attack predictable or leaving too many players occupying the same zones.

Mourinho has a huge opportunity

For Madrid and Mourinho, getting this partnership to work could define the season.

Jude Bellingham already gives the attack another clear reference from the No. 10 role, and Mourinho now has the chance to build something more coherent around all three.

If he can make Vinicius and Mbappe complement each other rather than simply coexist, Madrid’s ceiling rises dramatically.

The onus is on the Portuguese tactician to get the best out of the duo and set Madrid up for success, not just this season but beyond.