Mourinho backs Vinicius as Real Madrid winger faces a crucial comeback

Vinicius Junior’s recent loss of attacking sharpness has come under scrutiny after the Real Madrid forward failed to attempt a dribble in two successive matches. The Brazil international will now miss the club’s next three La Liga fixtures through suspension, including the Clasico against Barcelona.

Vinicius came on as a substitute against Villarreal at Santiago Bernabeu on 10 October and made an immediate impact during a 20-minute appearance. He completed two dribbles and helped create Real Madrid’s second goal before the game changed direction.

The Video Assistant Referee ruled out a goal scored by Vinicius after identifying that he had pulled Saliba’s hair. The incident resulted in a four-match suspension, with the player having served one match in Sunday’s game against Sevilla.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Vinicius also failed to try a dribble during 70 minutes against Leipzig. He had similarly not attempted to take on an opponent in his most recent start against Roma, playing 59 minutes.

His subdued display against Leipzig was notable because beating defenders and expressing himself with a smile have long been central to his game. Those characteristics had remained visible even in particularly hostile atmospheres, but on Wednesday he appeared inactive and almost unhappy.

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho addressed the issue sympathetically, while acknowledging the importance of Vinicius returning to his best.

“If he is sad, that is a very personal matter. You can form your own impression, but I think he is the only person who can tell you honestly what he feels or does not feel,” Mourinho said. “As a coach, I am happy with the match he played. Expectations are always greater when it comes to Vinicius, and because of his individual ability people expect him to be decisive, but I liked his performance.”

Mourinho added that Vinicius had carried the greatest defensive responsibility among Real Madrid’s front three. The Leipzig right-back moved between the lines, but Vinicius closed the spaces effectively and allowed the ball to reach the central area only once.

“His attacking influence was not overwhelming, but he played with balance. He did not lose the ball and had a chance that the goalkeeper saved brilliantly,” Mourinho said.

He insisted Vinicius’ substitution was not a punishment. “It was not the decision of a coach unhappy with his player’s performance, but of a coach with a strong bench,” he explained, saying Diomande and Endrick offered the opportunity to add a different kind of speed to the match.

Mourinho also said Vinicius needed support from the club’s supporters. Away fans’ jeers could motivate him, he said, but criticism from Real Madrid supporters at home hurt the player.

Dribbling has become an additional pressure point, with Diomande completing 47 attempts at a 66% success rate this season. Vinicius has tried 38, succeeding with 42%, despite playing more than 800 minutes compared with Diomande’s 565.

Diomande can improve those figures against Barcelona, Racing and Valencia while Vinicius serves his suspension. Vinicius is due to return on 4 November against AEK Athens in the Champions League in Athens, when it will become clearer whether his performances against Roma and Leipzig were only a temporary dip.