Jose Mourinho has made it clear that reputation alone will not guarantee a starting place at Real Madrid, with Vinicius Jr. facing the same performance demands as the rest of the squad ahead of their Champions League meeting with RB Leipzig.
The Portuguese manager addressed several key issues during his pre-match press conference, discussing Real Madrid’s European ambitions, the competition for places, his midfield options and the possibility of pairing Kylian Mbappe with Carlos Espi.
Mourinho makes Vinicius stance clear before Leipzig test
Asked whether Vinicius could lose his place in the starting line-up, Mourinho rejected the idea that any player should be guaranteed selection regardless of their performances.
“No one is untouchable. I don’t like this concept of an ‘untouchable’ player. What makes a player untouchable is their performance on the pitch.”
However, Mourinho confirmed that Vinicius would start on the left wing against Leipzig, leaving Yan Diomande uncertain about his involvement.
“Vinicius will play on the left wing tomorrow. Yan [Diomande] doesn’t know whether he’ll play tomorrow or not, so you can imagine.”
The manager also highlighted the importance of professionalism within the squad, pointing to Jude Bellingham’s recovery habits and Diomande’s regular visits to the physiotherapist.
“In a positive sense, I like it when people say that. But it’s also true: Jude has this culture of recovery and taking meticulous care of himself.
Mourinho confirms Vinicius Jr. will start against Leipzig. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
“Diomande always comes in the afternoon to see the physio. The most important thing is that there’s an overall work ethic. No one stays here without one of my assistants being present.”
Real Madrid focus on Champions League qualification
Despite Real Madrid’s recent run of three consecutive victories, Mourinho insisted that it was too early to discuss the club’s chances of winning the Champions League.
“It’s far too early to say. Our aim right now is to qualify, and then the next objective will be to avoid the play-offs. I have a feeling we’ll need a lot of points to do that.
“First, we need to reach the 11 or 12 points required to qualify, and then secure the points that will see us finish in the top eight.”
Mourinho also praised the team’s recent performances and called for similar consistency against Leipzig, while acknowledging that Madrid still have significant room for improvement.
“We’ve been here for three or four months; it’s impossible to be where we want to be. We always have to improve, whether individually or as a team.
“I understand that the club’s expectations are extremely high. I’ve been here for three years and I know exactly what they’re like. I know there’s a lot of work to be done.”
He also expressed satisfaction with the appointment of an experienced referee for such an important fixture, describing the official as someone who would not tolerate unnecessary complaints.
Mourinho’s Real Madrid are slowly building momentum. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
“Tomorrow we’ve got a referee who won’t put up with any nonsense. He’s of the very highest calibre and I’m really pleased to have a referee like that for such an important match.”
Mourinho weighs midfield options and Mbappe partnership
Mourinho explained that Arda Guler and Federico Valverde offer different qualities but can adapt to multiple positions, with his selection decisions shaped by the opposition and the team’s needs.
“They are different players, but both have the ability to adapt to different positions. Every match and every team is different. The other day we played with a different midfield.
“I try to put together the best line-up for the team. There’s a time and place for everything, and I try to get things right. Sometimes I’ll be right, and sometimes I won’t.”
The manager was less certain about combining Mbappe and Espi, suggesting that their partnership could create tactical difficulties depending on the formation and the wide players selected.
“It’s difficult. It’s possible for both of them to play in a 4-4-2, but with the wingers we have, it would be a 4-2-4. Timing is another matter, as happened in Rome.”
Mourinho concluded by explaining that he had arrived at Madrid with a clear understanding of the club’s expectations and remained focused on giving his best every day, rather than setting a predetermined timeline for his tenure.
“I didn’t come here thinking I’d be here for 100 days or three years. I try to give my all every day,” he concluded.
Source: AS