Mourinho Tells Vinicius: Real Madrid Places Must Be Earned
Jose Mourinho has warned Vinicius Junior and the rest of his Real Madrid squad that no player is guaranteed a place, with performance the only route to becoming “untouchable”.
Speaking at Real Madrid City before Madrid’s Champions League meeting with RB Leipzig, Mourinho rejected the suggestion that Vinicius holds an automatic position in his starting XI.
Mourinho sets selection standard
- Mourinho was asked whether the Brazil winger should be regarded as beyond selection debate.
- The Madrid coach replied that only the club crest deserves that status: “The badge is untouchable.”
- He added that he does not accept the idea of an untouchable footballer, regardless of stature within the squad.
- Mourinho said neither captaincy, length of service nor a player’s transfer fee will determine his choices.
- His benchmark is clear: sustained displays on the field are what earn a player protected status.
“It is not their status, the captain’s armband or the years they have been at the club,” Mourinho said. “It is not about what was paid for them either. What makes a player untouchable is what they do on the pitch.”
Leipzig test next
Madrid now turn their attention to Leipzig in a significant European test. Mourinho wants his side to impose themselves in the Champions League, and his message leaves Vinicius and every other member of the group competing for their place.
A strong result against the German side would boost Madrid’s ambitions in the competition, while Mourinho will assess who delivers the level required to remain in his plans.
