Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has thrown his full support behind Vinicius Junior, predicting the Brazilian forward will soon rediscover his match-winning form despite facing criticism from fans at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Mourinho Tells Real Madrid Fans: Vinicius Junior Will Return to His Best
The Spanish giants opened their Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Inter Milan on Tuesday night.
First-half goals from Kylian Mbappe and Federico Valverde gave Los Blancos a commanding lead before Carlos Augusto’s late strike set up a nervy finish.
Thibaut Courtois delivered an outstanding performance between the posts to secure the three points.
Mourinho acknowledged the match could have finished 6-6 and questioned why his Belgian goalkeeper missed out on the Man of the Match award.
However, the Portuguese coach reserved his strongest words for Vinicius Junior, who received boos from sections of the crowd after being substituted with three minutes remaining.
“I’m not criticizing the fans; I’m speaking as a coach and about my relationship with him,” Mourinho said on RMFC Website.
“He deserves all my respect. He’s not at his best, and we all see that.
He’s the first to know it and is working very hard to be the player who decides matches.”
The 25-year-old has contributed one goal and two assists in four La Liga appearances this season, ranking joint-second for key passes per game.
His three clear-cut chances created trail only Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler.
Vinicius earned a spot on the 30-player shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or on Tuesday.
Despite his slow start under Mourinho, the manager remains confident: “The time will come when he decides matches.”
