José Mourinho has publicly backed Vinícius Jr but also told the Brazilian he must improve the way he reacts to provocation from opposition supporters.
José Mourinho tells Vinícius Jr what he must change after latest Real Madrid controversy
José Mourinho has delivered a clear message to Vinícius Jr, insisting the Real Madrid star must learn to control his reactions while also calling for referees to protect him more effectively.
The Real Madrid coach addressed the continued controversy surrounding Vinícius ahead of the club’s next La Liga fixture.
Mourinho made it clear that he sees two different issues when discussing the Brazilian’s behaviour and the treatment he receives from opponents.
Mourinho wants Vinícius to control his reactions
When it comes to normal provocation from opposition supporters, Mourinho believes Vinícius can improve the way he responds.
The Portuguese coach suggested that emotional reactions towards fans are something Real Madrid can work on with the winger.
Mourinho wants Vinícius to remain focused on football rather than allowing hostile crowds to influence his behaviour.
However, that was only one side of his message.
Mourinho demands more protection for Vinícius
Mourinho also strongly defended his player and claimed opponents are sometimes allowed to repeatedly foul or provoke Vinícius without being punished quickly enough.
He believes there is a clear difference between criticism from supporters and physical treatment from opposition players.
For Mourinho, referees must intervene when challenges cross the line.
He argued that Vinícius deserves greater protection from officials when opponents repeatedly target him.
VAR decision against Espanyol questioned
Mourinho also referred to an incident during Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Espanyol.
The coach believed Vinícius was on the receiving end of a challenge that could potentially have resulted in a red card.
While Mourinho accepted that the referee may not have had a clear view of the incident, he questioned why VAR did not intervene.
Mourinho sends balanced message to his star
The coach’s position was therefore clear.
Vinícius must take responsibility for controlling his emotions when dealing with provocation from the stands.
At the same time, Mourinho believes officials must take responsibility for protecting the Brazilian when opponents go too far on the pitch.
Rather than publicly attacking Vinícius, Mourinho appears determined to defend his star while also demanding greater maturity from him.
No sign Vinícius is losing Mourinho’s trust
There is currently no indication that the comments represent a serious problem between Mourinho and Vinícius.
The Real Madrid coach has made it clear that he wants Vinícius, Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham playing together and continues to view the Brazilian as an important part of his plans.
Mourinho’s message is not that Vinícius needs to change as a player. It is that he must control what he can control, while referees must do a better job protecting him from what he cannot.
