Jose Mourinho backed Vinicius Jr after the Brazilian was booed during Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Inter, insisting he gave everything despite still searching for his best form.
Mourinho defends Vinicius after Bernabeu whistles
Jose Mourinho has defended Vinicius Jr after the Real Madrid winger was booed by sections of the Bernabeu crowd during the 2-1 Champions League victory over Inter Milan.
Vinicius was substituted late in the match without scoring or assisting, but Mourinho praised his effort and commitment.
Vinicius booed as he leaves the pitch
Vinicius was withdrawn as Real Madrid protected their lead.
Whistles could be heard when his number appeared on the substitution board.
The Brazilian responded by looking toward the stands and applauding, creating one of the night’s biggest talking points.
Mourinho immediately shows his support
Mourinho applauded Vinicius before embracing him and patting him on the back as he reached the bench.
The public gesture showed that the coach’s assessment had not changed because of the reaction from the crowd.
‘He deserves all my respect’
Asked about the whistles after the match, Mourinho gave Vinicius his full backing.
“He deserves all my respect,” Mourinho said.
The coach stressed that Vinicius had given everything for the team, even though his attacking output was limited.
Mourinho admits Vinicius is not at his best
Mourinho did not pretend that Vinicius had produced a perfect performance.
He admitted that the Brazilian is currently below his best level.
Vinicius is still searching for the explosiveness, one-on-one dominance and finishing sharpness that previously made him one of football’s most dangerous attackers.
Mourinho’s defence was therefore based on effort rather than denying the need for improvement.
‘Someone who gives everything cannot give more’
Mourinho argued that a player who gives everything cannot be asked to give more.
In his view, Vinicius had worked hard physically and tactically, and that commitment would always earn the coach’s support.
Vinicius did important defensive work
Vinicius’ defensive contribution was one reason Mourinho was satisfied.
The winger recorded nine possession recoveries against Inter, a notable figure for an attacking player.
Inter’s high wing-backs forced Madrid’s wide players to make repeated defensive adjustments, and Mourinho praised Vinicius and Brahim Diaz for handling those duties.
Mourinho says best Vinicius would have ‘killed the game’
Mourinho suggested that a fully confident Vinicius would have converted one of his chances and ended the contest earlier.
The coach believes the winger must still recover his attacking sharpness, particularly in one-on-one situations and final decisions.
Mourinho refuses to criticise Real Madrid supporters
Although he defended Vinicius, Mourinho did not attack the Bernabeu crowd.
He acknowledged that supporters are entitled to their opinions and reactions.
That allowed him to support his player without turning the incident into a public conflict with the fans.
Mbappe also received whistles
Kylian Mbappe also heard whistles when he was substituted.
Mourinho said he kissed the Frenchman as a sign of appreciation for his work, reinforcing his message that players who work for the team will receive his public support.
Valverde and Huijsen back the team
Federico Valverde accepted that Madrid must improve and admitted supporters expect greater control and clarity in possession.
Dean Huijsen, meanwhile, praised Vinicius’ commitment and backed him to overcome the difficult period.
The reactions suggest that Vinicius still has strong support inside the dressing room.
Pressure on Vinicius remains
The whistles show that patience among some supporters is being tested.
Because Vinicius previously set such a high standard, every missed chance or quiet performance now attracts greater scrutiny.
Mourinho’s support does not guarantee Vinicius a starting place, but it makes clear that his commitment is not in question.
Mourinho sends clear message to Vinicius
Mourinho has protected Vinicius from criticism while admitting that the winger must rediscover his best football.
The effort is there. The attacking quality must now return.
After a night of whistles at the Bernabeu, Mourinho’s message was clear: Vinicius may be struggling, but his coach is still with him.
