Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has warned Vinicius Junior and the club’s other high-profile players that no individual is guaranteed a place in the team, insisting that performances on the pitch will determine who plays.
The Portuguese manager issued the warning on Tuesday ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League clash against RB Leipzig on Wednesday, as competition for attacking positions intensifies at the Spanish club.
Vinicius has struggled to find his best form this season and is currently serving a four-match suspension in La Liga for pulling an opponent’s hair. However, he remains available for the European fixture against Leipzig.
Meanwhile, Ivorian winger Yan Diomande has impressed in recent weeks. The club’s record signing, who cost €140 million ($157 million), scored against Sevilla on Sunday while Vinicius was unavailable.
Asked whether Vinicius risked losing his place because of Diomande’s performances, Mourinho made it clear that no player would receive special treatment.
“Only the club badge is untouchable,” Mourinho told reporters.
“I don’t like the concept of untouchable players.
“What makes a player untouchable is not his status, the armband, his years at the club, how much was paid for him, what makes him untouchable is his performance on the pitch.”
Mourinho confirmed that Vinicius would start on the left wing against Leipzig but said he had yet to inform Diomande whether he would also be included in the starting line-up.
Real Madrid Target Another Champions League Victory
Real Madrid will host Leipzig aiming to secure their third victory in three matches during the Champions League league phase.
However, their domestic campaign has been less convincing. Madrid are third in La Liga, six points behind leaders Barcelona, whom they are scheduled to face on Sunday.
Mourinho acknowledged that his team still had considerable room for improvement, despite having spent several months working with the squad.
“A long way off… we’ve been here three or four months, it’s impossible to be where we want to be,” the veteran coach said.
He stressed that both individual performances and the team’s overall play needed to improve, adding that he understood the high expectations associated with managing Real Madrid.
“We always have to improve, be it individually or collectively… I understand the demands (at this club) are the maximum.”
Mourinho, who previously managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, said his experience at the club had prepared him for the pressure and expectations surrounding the team.
“I’ve been here three years (2010-2013), and so I know perfectly well how things are. I can’t lose my direction… (even though) I know there is a lot of work to do.”
Konate Praises Mourinho’s Authority
French defender Ibrahima Konate also praised Mourinho, describing him as a manager whose presence commands respect from players.
“He’s a great manager, I think he has this aura that not many managers have, because he doesn’t need to speak and everyone will listen and respect him,” Konate told reporters.
Mourinho’s comments underline his position that reputation, transfer fees and seniority will not guarantee playing time, as Real Madrid prepare for a crucial Champions League fixture and their upcoming domestic showdown with Barcelona.
