Mourinho defends Vinicius Junior amid fan frustration | OneFootball

Jose Mourinho defended Vinicius Junior after the winger was whistled by sections of the Bernabeu during Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Inter. According to Goal.com, the manager argued the Brazilian’s work rate merited respect despite his dip in form.

Kylian Mbappe and Federico Valverde scored as Madrid opened their Champions League league phase campaign with victory. Vinicius was replaced in the 87th minute, the reaction turning sour as he left the pitch following a subdued display.

Mourinho accepted the forward is not at his best, yet highlighted his defensive graft and said fatigue explained moments when he could not track back. He said he has great respect for this version of Vinicius and that the time will come when the player decides games again.

He also pointed to Inter’s back three with wing-backs, noting it makes life hard for wide players. At his peak, Mourinho said, Vinicius would have finished the one-on-ones on the left, but he gave everything.

The incident comes after a demanding 2025-26 in which the Brazilian was frequently criticised by home fans. He committed his long-term future to Madrid this summer, yet has begun the new season quietly with one goal and two assists in five appearances.

Madrid’s options were stretched against Inter, with Bernardo Silva, Arda Guler and Eduardo Camavinga suspended, so Trent Alexander-Arnold started out of position in central midfield. Mourinho appreciated the Englishman’s effort, stressing the physical and positional demands differ from full-back and that some errors were inevitable, adding he had nothing more to give.

Madrid return to La Liga on Saturday with a Madrid derby against Rayo Vallecano, offering Vinicius an immediate chance to change the mood at home.

Source: Goal.com

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