Mourinho demands respect over Vinicius suspension after Real Madrid comeback

Jose Mourinho criticised the Spanish football authorities after Real Madrid were told of Vinicius Junior’s four-match suspension shortly before their Champions League match against Roma.

Madrid recovered from two goals down to beat Roma 4-3, securing six points from their opening two games in the Champions League league phase against difficult opposition.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side caused Madrid major problems in the first half with aggressive pressing and man-to-man marking. Mourinho admitted his initial tactical plan had been wrong, while praising his players for changing the game after the interval.

“The poor first half was my fault. The good second half was down to the players,” said the Portuguese coach.

Mourinho said Roma’s approach had surprised him, despite his familiarity with Gasperini’s teams, but believed their intensity could not be sustained for the whole match.

“I know perfectly well how Gasperini’s teams play, and they surprised us. But there are no miracles in football; it is impossible to maintain that intensity for 90 minutes,” he said.

He was particularly critical of the goals Madrid conceded, calling the second “ridiculous and unworthy of this level”.

“Roma are very strong. They are a nightmare to play against,” Mourinho added, acknowledging that Madrid had been overwhelmed before half-time but had shown courage to complete the turnaround.

The Madrid manager defended his decision not to start Arda Guler and Bernardo Silva, saying the timing of his substitutions had been important against opponents he expected to tire.

“If we had started the way we finished, they would have scored five against us,” Mourinho said.

He questioned why Vinicius Junior’s suspension had been announced so close to the match and suggested the decision had been handled unfairly by the Spanish football authorities.

“Do you think it is normal for a player at a Spanish club to know what suspension he will receive? Couldn’t it have been announced today or tomorrow?” he asked.

Mourinho also defended Vinicius’ reaction to being substituted, saying the Brazilian’s emotions were understandable. “What matters is that he was happy because we won,” he said.

Mourinho criticises fixture schedule

Mourinho subsequently turned his attention to the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), complaining about Madrid’s domestic schedule ahead of a demanding trip to Athens and Saturday’s difficult match against Valencia.

“I ask for respect. I don’t think it is fair that we have to play in Athens and then face such a tough match against Valencia on Saturday,” he said.

“It was not an innocent decision. Madrid fans are not stupid, and I am going to speak out so that people can see what is happening.”

He also ruled out a loan move for Endrick, despite the young Brazilian competing for regular playing time.

“It is impossible for him to leave on loan. I know how much quality he has,” Mourinho said.

Asked whether Carlos Espi’s progress could put Kylian Mbappe’s starting place at risk, Mourinho was equally clear.

“He is developing, and I like him a lot. But if the question is whether I am going to drop Mbappe, the answer is no,” he said.

Madrid next face Sevilla in La Liga on Sunday at the Santiago Bernabeu, aiming to build on their European comeback.