Mourinho defends Vinicius Junior after Real Madrid fans’ whistles in Inter Milan win

Jose Mourinho admitted Real Madrid were exposed in midfield during their 2-1 victory over Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League, while defending Vinicius Junior after the Brazilian was booed by supporters at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Real Madrid did not produce a convincing display but began their league-phase campaign with victory over their Italian visitors on Tuesday evening. The match featured numerous chances at both ends and several dramatic moments, despite neither side being able to establish sustained control.

Mourinho had said before kick-off that he would rather win while playing unconvincingly than lose after producing an attractive performance. His view was tested during a frantic encounter in Madrid, which ultimately delivered the result he wanted.

“I prefer to say it was a crazy match,” Mourinho told Movistar, in comments reported by Spanish newspaper Sport. “We are often criticised when the game is boring, and today it was crazy. It could have ended 7-6 without any problem.”

The Real Madrid manager acknowledged that his side experienced particular problems in the centre of the pitch. Inter were also forced to make early changes, while Mourinho said he had limited alternatives available in midfield.

“Our midfield was weak, and they made changes very early. I did not have many options in midfield,” he said.

“When I saw that the players were going through a difficult moment, I made the changes, but I think they did a tremendous job. The game was not boring, and we were close to scoring a third goal in the final minute of the first half.”

Mourinho accepted that both goals had come after mistakes by the opposition, but argued that Real Madrid’s work without the ball deserved recognition. Federico Valverde was among those involved in the team’s attacking efforts.

“I agree that the goals came at moments when the opponent made mistakes, but I want to give my players some credit because we train to press the opponent,” Mourinho said. “Valverde’s goal comes from work, so not everything should be criticism.”

Mourinho refuses to credit Courtois alone

Thibaut Courtois produced an outstanding performance for Real Madrid, making a series of important saves as Inter created opportunities. However, Mourinho rejected the idea that the victory was solely the result of the Belgium international’s contribution.

“There is a difference between not controlling the game yourself and the opponent controlling it, and they did not control it either,” he said. “Courtois made many saves, but how many goals did we miss on the counter-attack? It was a great match.”

Mourinho also used his post-match comments to support Vinicius Junior, who was met by whistles from sections of the home crowd. The manager accepted that the forward has not yet returned to his best level, but insisted that the player is working extremely hard and is giving everything on the pitch.

“He worked a lot, a lot,” said Mourinho. “I know that, everyone knows that, and he knows it too. He has not yet reached full fitness, and he is not yet the Vinicius we know, but he works a lot, and anyone who works and gives everything deserves respect.”

The result gives Real Madrid an early win in the league phase of the European competition, although Mourinho’s assessment highlighted both the attacking quality and the defensive and midfield weaknesses shown during an eventful night at the Santiago Bernabeu.