Jose Mourinho defends Vinicius Junior after angry substitution

Jose Mourinho has defended Vinicius Junior after the Brazilian showed frustration at being substituted during Real Madrid’s 4-3 Champions League win over Roma.

Vinicius was replaced by Endrick in the 59th minute after a difficult first half. His misplaced pass had helped Roma build towards their second goal, but he later reacted angrily to coming off.

Mourinho said the frustration was understandable and insisted Vinicius did not cross the line. “It’s normal that he isn’t happy. If he did what many others do, like throwing a water bottle, I wouldn’t like that. Frustration is normal, but after the match he was very happy about the win,” he said.

The coach also admitted that Roma’s tactical plan made life difficult for the winger, with Wesley repeatedly creating two-on-one situations against him.

“In the first half, the mistake was mine or the credit goes to Gasperini,” Mourinho said. “It was tough for Vini.”

He added that Vinicius was given more freedom on the other flank in the second half, while accepting the player’s error for Roma’s second goal.

“Vini lost a ball he shouldn’t have lost, but that’s that. I make mistakes too,” Mourinho said.

The Real Madrid boss also expressed disappointment that Vinicius will serve a four-match LaLiga suspension just as he was regaining form.