Vinicius under pressure at Real Madrid as Mourinho demands return to form

Pressure is mounting on Vinicius Junior at Real Madrid after a disappointing start to the season, despite the Brazil forward signing a new contract running until 2032.

The agreement was concluded this summer following lengthy negotiations, according to Spanish newspaper Sport. Reaching a deal was difficult, but Vinicius eventually secured the extension on hugely improved financial terms.

Jose Mourinho welcomed the renewal after becoming convinced he could help the player produce his best football. However, Vinicius’ physical condition and performances have so far fallen well short of the standard expected from a player on such a contract.

He has scored only once in eight appearances – seven in La Liga and one in the Champions League. His goal came in Real Madrid’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad.

Mourinho has consistently defended Vinicius in public, but his decisions on the pitch have suggested that patience is not unlimited. The manager substituted him during Sunday’s derby after Real Madrid were reduced to 10 men following Huijsen’s sending-off.

Diomande was brought on in his place. The player, who joined in a deal worth 140m euros, at least showed more energy than Vinicius, who offered little attacking threat and made no significant contribution defensively.

Derby display raises further concerns

Vinicius failed to provide the defensive support required by Marc Cucurella, allowing Giuliano Simeone to take control of Atletico Madrid’s right flank.

With Mbappe and Bellingham maintaining the same intensity, Vinicius was the player selected for removal. He accepted Mourinho’s decision positively, in contrast to his reaction to being substituted by Xabi Alonso during last season’s Clasico, when he openly showed his displeasure.

Vinicius understands that Mourinho is not an easy manager to challenge and, at least for now, is unlikely to create a confrontation with him.

The forward was also substituted against Elche, although the circumstances were very different. Real Madrid were leading 2-0 and appeared to be heading for a comfortable victory before the game became complicated in the closing stages.

Vinicius now needs to recover his form quickly or risk exhausting the patience of the supporters – and possibly that of Mourinho. He has already been booed by the Santiago Bernabeu crowd on several occasions, while some of his actions away from the pitch have also attracted criticism.

A decision by Vinicius, Mbappe and Konate to wear a shirt supporting Ceuta was not well received by a significant section of Real Madrid fans.

Brazil chance to rebuild confidence

Vinicius is 26 and remains a highly controversial figure. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez previously faced a difficult situation when the player threatened to leave, worsening the relationship between the pair.

Although Vinicius achieved his aim of securing a lucrative contract, his current performances have created major disappointment. Carlo Ancelotti has selected him for Brazil’s upcoming friendlies in Australia, where they will face the hosts before playing India in Kolkata.

Those matches could help him rebuild his confidence away from the pressure surrounding Real Madrid – something Mourinho will hope enables him to return in his best condition.

The days when some called for Vinicius to win the Ballon d’Or now appear distant. After being regarded as a leading contender for the 2024 award, he has dropped well outside the current conversation.

At matches, he has had to endure supporters chanting “beach ball” at him. More difficult still, the criticism is now coming from his own club’s fans.

Only a change in attitude can restore their trust, while Mourinho is unlikely to tolerate any lapse in discipline or lack of commitment on the pitch.