Vinicius Junior’s Real Madrid position under scrutiny as Mourinho warning emerges

Vinicius Junior is enduring a difficult spell at Real Madrid, with his performances under renewed scrutiny and some supporters at Santiago Bernabeu responding with boos.

The Brazil forward is not enjoying his best form and is facing the kind of close examination he experienced during several periods of last season. His situation has prompted debate, including comments from former goalkeeper Esteban Suarez on Radio Estadio Noche, broadcast by Onda Cero.

Suarez, who previously played for Atletico Madrid, believes Mourinho would not hesitate to make a difficult decision if Vinicius’ performance demanded it.

“Mourinho will not remain silent,” Suarez said. “He may make mistakes, but I believe that if he had to take Vinicius off, he would do it.”

He added: “In reality, Vinicius is intelligent and does not complain. He knows that his opponent is not Xabi Alonso; he knows Mourinho would take him off the pitch, and there would be people applauding that decision. There are also people hoping Vinicius does not start.”

Suarez said the Brazilian’s struggles had been intensified by the way his performances were previously praised.

“Many people have done Vinicius harm by excessively praising many of his actions,” he said. “Because of that, it will be a difficult year for him.”

The former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper also identified the level of attention surrounding Vinicius’ Real Madrid team-mate Kylian Mbappe as one of the reasons behind the current situation.

“Everyone is talking about Mbappe, and everyone has started to question and boo Vinicius,” Suarez said. “I do not know whether he will have enough character to overcome that. At the moment, he is losing that affection from the supporters.”

Vinicius has therefore found himself at the centre of criticism while attention at the club remains heavily focused on Mbappe. His form, his place in the starting line-up and the reaction of the Santiago Bernabeu crowd have all become subjects of discussion during what Suarez described as a challenging season for the Brazilian.