Mourinho plans tactical changes to revive Vinicius and strengthen Real Madrid’s midfield

Jose Mourinho is using the current international break to rethink Real Madrid’s tactics, with the coaching staff focused on restoring Vinicius Junior’s best form and improving control in midfield.

The break, which lasts about three weeks, has also provided an opportunity for internal reflection following the negative result against Atletico Madrid. According to Spanish newspaper AS, Mourinho’s complaints about the refereeing after the derby were fully justified by the clarity of the images, but the manager does not regard them as an explanation for the defeat or for the weaknesses in his side’s performance.

Real Madrid’s staff believe Vinicius remains an essential part of the team and are not questioning his place in the starting line-up. Instead, they are examining how changes to the system could help the Brazil forward rediscover his form.

Vinicius has endured his poorest start to a season since the Covid-19 pandemic, with one goal and three assists in his first eight matches. He has played 652 minutes, making him Real Madrid’s fourth most-used player behind Federico Valverde on 654 and Thibaut Courtois and Kylian Mbappe, who have played all 720 minutes.

His performance at the Metropolitano represented a low point. Vinicius had only 22 touches, fewer than substitutes Eduardo Camavinga, with 24, and Bernardo, with 26. He completed one successful dribble and made only eight passes.

Mourinho continues to defend the player, repeating his view that: “Someone who gives everything on the pitch is not obliged to give more.” The manager has also expressed satisfaction with Vinicius’ 100% commitment to his defensive instructions.

Although the tactical changes have yet to appear in matches, one possible adjustment would be to relieve Vinicius of the repeated responsibility of dropping back towards the full-back position to cover the left side. A midfielder could take on that defensive duty instead.

Midfield balance remains unresolved

The coaching staff are also working to establish the preferred double-pivot in midfield, a part of the team that has yet to settle. Mourinho remains committed to a 4-2-3-1 formation, which would allow Jude Bellingham to operate as an attacking midfielder.

Bellingham has responded strongly when given that role, scoring three goals in three matches against Rayo Vallecano, Malaga and Espanyol, while also providing two assists against Real Sociedad. Under the proposed system, he would not be responsible for covering the left flank currently protected by Vinicius.

The plan recalls Bellingham’s first season at Real Madrid, when Carlo Ancelotti made him the focus of a tactical change that helped the club win both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. With Mbappe absent at the time, Bellingham played behind Vinicius and Rodrygo, while Real Madrid shifted to a 4-4-2 defensively, with the England midfielder covering the left side.

Match results indicate that Valverde’s inclusion in the double pivot is considered essential. Four different midfield partnerships have been used in eight matches. Valverde and Bernardo Silva won all three of their games, against Espanyol, Real Sociedad and Rayo Vallecano. Valverde and Camavinga beat Malaga comfortably but lost to Real Betis, while Valverde and Trent were used out of necessity against Inter Milan. The anticipated partnership of Aurelien Tchouameni and Valverde narrowly beat Elche before suffering a heavy defeat by Atletico Madrid.