Mourinho backs Vinicius and urges Real Madrid fans to support him

Jose Mourinho has defended Vinicius Junior after the Real Madrid forward was jeered during Tuesday’s Champions League victory over Inter Milan.

Real Madrid face Rayo Vallecano on Saturday evening in the fifth round of La Liga, looking to recover from their first defeat of the season against Real Betis last Friday.

Mourinho said he would not judge the reaction of the club’s supporters, but admitted he was saddened to hear whistles directed at Vinicius. He used a Portuguese proverb to underline the value of the Brazil international’s contribution.

“As we say in Portugal, and I do not know whether the same expression exists in Spain, ‘people only throw stones at trees that bear fruit’,” Mourinho said, as reported by AS.

“What has Vini done here in recent years? How many Champions Leagues has he won? How many goals has he scored? He is a tree with a lot of fruit. People throw stones because they want the fruit.”

Mourinho believes the best version of Vinicius is still to come.

“The best version of Vinicius will arrive,” he added. “The version from last year, when the Bernabeu was afraid against Benfica and he ended up deciding the match. That version of Vinicius will arrive.”

The manager also referred to the player’s physical data, saying Vinicius was close to reaching his maximum level.

“In this era of data and statistics, he is very close to his maximum speed,” said Mourinho. “He has broken his records for high-intensity running, his record for recovering the ball and his record for recovering the ball in the final third. It will come.”

Mourinho said his support for Vinicius was based on the player’s attitude and willingness to contribute, rather than a promise that he would always be selected.

“I do not even want to give my opinion. This is not about criticising or expressing an opinion. I am nobody to give my opinion,” he said. “I am sad because I am very demanding with my players.”

Mourinho added: “I respect the player who gives everything. Vinicius wanted to play, wanted to help, played as part of the team and played with respect for his shirt. That type of player will always find me alongside him.

“That does not mean he will always play, but it means he will always find me alongside him. This makes me sad, but I do not want to judge or criticise.”

He also reminded Real Madrid supporters of his unbeaten home record, saying Guinness World Records lists him as having gone nine years without losing a home league match in Europe’s major leagues, from February 2002 to February 2011.

During that period he managed Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid in his first spell at the club.

“When the team and the stadium are united, you become almost unbeatable,” he said. “Every stadium has the right to react at a certain moment.”

On his squad’s condition before facing Rayo, Mourinho said: “We are happy, united and working well. Working well clearly means recovering well. We did tactical work today without much intensity, but with respect for the opposition. They won and showed their quality. We must be fully focused tomorrow.”

He also thanked Rayo coach Inigo Perez for his “very kind” comments, adding: “I did not deserve all that. I will hug him tomorrow.”