Mourinho says Vinicius’ Roma error does not merit ‘all this debate’

Jose Mourinho says Vinicius’ mistake in Real Madrid’s 4-3 Champions League win over Roma has been exaggerated and does not justify the continued controversy surrounding it.

Real Madrid host Sevilla at Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday in the ninth round of La Liga, with Mourinho admitting his squad is feeling the effects of a demanding schedule.

“The team is tired, but we will not be tired against Sevilla,” he said. “Today, from what I saw in the medical department, the players are feeling some fatigue. We also have several good options if we decide to make changes to refresh the team.”

Mourinho expects a difficult contest against a Sevilla side he believes has performed well even in defeat.

“Sevilla are a great team and have played well in the matches they have lost,” he said. “They play well away from home and Luis Garcia is doing a good job. It will be a difficult match, but we want to win.”

Asked what he expects from his midfielders, Mourinho said they must fulfil the demands of the position rather than focus exclusively on one aspect of the game.

“If a midfielder only defends, his abilities are limited,” he said. “If he only attacks, it would be better for him to play as a winger or an attacking midfielder. It is a difficult position, and to be a top-level player you need to have a different range of qualities.”

Mourinho also rejected further discussion of Real Madrid’s statement concerning Javier Tebas, saying the dispute had reached an unacceptable stage.

“You have already seen what I think. Please do not talk about it because there are limits, and we have reached a point that could only be justified by an illness requiring medical intervention,” he said. “Apart from that, there is no justification or excuse. I think Real Madrid’s supporters are increasingly understanding what they are facing.

“As I said before, it is better to try to keep this issue inside Spain and not allow it to spread outside the country, so we can protect the great standing Spanish football enjoys.”

On Arda Guler, Mourinho said the midfielder still had room to develop despite his considerable talent. “He is extremely gifted and, fortunately, he has not yet become a complete player,” he said. “He can play in different positions and I am very happy with him.”

Mourinho defended Vinicius after the forward’s error against Roma, while acknowledging he had not made the right decision.

“I want to ask a funny question because I am curious too: do people care about what time we arrive at the training ground and what time we leave?” he said. “It is funny. Vinicius played a difficult match, and for me Gasperini was the main reason it was so difficult because Roma were constantly attacking down the side where he played.

“The second goal annoyed me because it came when the match was balanced and we were not facing problems. He should not have done what he did, but it is over and it does not deserve all this debate.”

Mourinho said he made five substitutions rather than singling out Vinicius, and suggested the Brazilian could start on Wednesday.

“Substitutions are part of football and Vinicius has to work harder,” he said. “Without promising anything, because I do not like making promises, I think he will start on Wednesday.”

He praised Vinicius’ character, saying the player continued to face difficulties with a smile and remained loyal to Real Madrid.

“He is a wonderful person and easy to deal with,” Mourinho said. “I spend a few minutes with him alone every day and value him greatly. If I were in his position, perhaps I would not still be here. I might have forced the club to move me to a country where I was respected, but he stayed out of loyalty to Real Madrid and love for the club.”

Mourinho added that he was not asking for any January signings and preferred to work with a small squad. “If a new player comes in, another player must leave,” he said. “If the sporting director has something in mind, we are here to study it, but the initiative will not come from me.”

He concluded by saying he was open to opinions from his staff but would make decisions according to his own analysis.

“A stubborn coach has limited abilities, as does one who cannot accept opinions,” Mourinho said. “I can change my mind, but based on my analysis and not on what other people believe.”