Jose Mourinho urges respect for Vinicius Jr. amid Real Madrid form concerns

Vinicius Junior remains well below his best, a point Real Madrid supporters made during the UEFA Champions League match against Inter Milan. After the final whistle, manager Jose Mourinho defended the winger and called for “respect” as he works to regain his peak form.

With Real Madrid hosting Inter at the Santiago Bernabeu for Matchday 1 of the 2026-27 UCL campaign, Kylian Mbappe and Brahim Diaz supplied the attacking impetus, while Vinicius had a subdued evening. His frustration became clear when he was replaced in the 87th minute, with scattered applause largely drowned out by audible boos and whistles from the home crowd.

Addressing that reaction at his post-match press conference, Mourinho said he wanted Vinicius to receive respect. The manager defended his relationship with the winger: “I am not criticizing the fans; I am speaking as a coach about my relationship with him, who deserves complete respect.”

Mourinho then stressed that Vinicius’ commitment remains beyond question despite his current form. “He is not at his best. That is something we all see, but he is the first to know it, and he is working very hard to be the Vinícius who decides matches. Despite not being in top form, he is working harder than ever in training and in matches.”

Vinicius lacked penetration in front of goal and sent all three shots off target, but he was instrumental in progressing play into Inter’s half. He completed eight progressive carries, covering 342 yards (312.8 meters) with the ball at his feet—the most by any Real Madrid player in the match—while also adding significantly to the team’s defensive work.

Mourinho concluded by reflecting on Vinicius’ wider contribution and expressing confidence in his development: “When he has not been able to stay compact and defend with the block, it was due to fatigue, because he made six 50-meter sprints with the ball. It is not easy, but his commitment has been very good. I have immense respect for the Vinicius I have encountered. The time will come when he will decide and win matches.”

Vinicius delivers standout defensive work

Mbappe put Madrid ahead in the 14th minute, and Federico Valverde doubled the lead in the 23rd. The hosts then allowed Inter to control possession while attacking space on the counter, a pattern that suited Vinicius’ physical strengths. But he also delivered a level of defensive work not seen from a Real Madrid forward for more than 17 years.

According to OptaJose, Vinicius Junior registered nine ball recoveries against Inter Milan. The last Real Madrid forward to achieve the same defensive output in a Champions League match was Gonzalo Higuain in December 2008 during a 3-0 victory over Zenit St. Petersburg.

That figure is especially notable following Real Madrid’s pre-match press conference, where questions were raised about whether Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe matched the defensive work rate of peers such as Ousmane Dembele.

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