Jose Mourinho has wasted no time in addressing one of Real Madrid’s most persistent challenges, publicly calling for greater emotional control from winger Vinicius Jr and condemning the “bullying” tactics he believes the player endures on the pitch. The 63-year-old manager’s comments came after his first competitive match back at the helm of Real Madrid, a hard-fought 2-1 La Liga opening victory against Espanyol.
The incident that sparked Mourinho’s post-match analysis occurred in the first half, when Vinicius Jr received an avoidable yellow card following an argument with Espanyol midfielder Cala. It was a flashpoint that, for many, has become a familiar sight involving the Brazilian forward, who has now been with Real Madrid for eight years.
A familiar pattern for Vinicius Jr
Mourinho, whose return marks his second spell as Real Madrid manager, acknowledged the frustration surrounding Vinicius Jr’s temperament. “It’s frustrating for him. He needs to have great emotional control,” Mourinho stated, highlighting a critical area for development for the talented attacker.
The Portuguese coach elaborated on the persistent nature of the issue, claiming that opposing players target Vinicius Jr “from the first minute” to provoke a reaction, a tactic he says is “repeated” by all teams Real Madrid faces. This context resonates with the player’s history, which includes past accusations of racial abuse, such as the incident involving Gianluca Prestianni – a claim Prestianni denied – that occurred when Mourinho was in the Benfica dugout.
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Mourinho did not shy away from a balanced perspective, acknowledging that Vinicius Jr is “not a saint” but emphatically stating that “what they do to him is too much.” He then broadened his concern to a societal level, drawing a stark contrast between general attitudes and the treatment of his player.
“We’re in a social era of anti-bullying. With Vini Jr, we’re still in the bullying era, whether it’s from opponents or the crowd,” Mourinho told BBC Sport. “We need to educate him as much as possible and prepare him as much as possible. And that’s it.”
The manager even revealed a half-time conversation with the winger, cautioning him about potential celebrations should he score, to ensure he could remain on the field. This immediate intervention underscores the priority Mourinho places on managing Vinicius Jr’s conduct.
As Mourinho embarks on his new chapter at the Santiago Bernabéu, the challenge of harnessing Vinicius Jr’s immense talent while shielding him from external pressures and guiding his emotional responses appears to be high on his agenda. The opening match of the season has already set the stage for one of the most intriguing storylines of Real Madrid’s campaign.
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