UEFA Champions League
Real Madrid is going through an adjustment in its offensive lineup after José Mourinho directly communicated to Vinícius that he will lose his starting position if he does not raise his level in the upcoming matches.
As reported by Cadena SER, the Portuguese coach warned the Brazilian forward that Yan Diomande will take his place on the left wing if he continues to show inconsistency at the beginning of this season.

Vinícius's poor performance and Yan Diomande's alternative
Despite maintaining his starting position due to his historic role in the two Champions League titles previously won by the club, the Brazilian attacker has 1 goal and 3 assists in 7 matches played during the 2026-2027 season. In the recent match against Elche CF, which ended 2-3 with a final goal from Carlos Espí, the 26-year-old international had a discreet performance, missing three clear opportunities against the opposing goalkeeper.
On the other hand, Yan Diomande, a signing for which Real Madrid paid 140 million euros in the summer transfer market, provided an assist for the second goal for Real Madrid at the Martínez Valero by beating on the flank. The attacker's versatility allows him to play on both wings, offering the depth that the coaching staff demands on the left.
José Mourinho's variations in the Real Madrid squad
The consolidation of Arda Güler as an attacking midfielder and false winger on the right diminishes the rotation options for that flank. Therefore, the left wing has become the main focus of competition between the Brazilian player and the newly signed one.
José Mourinho seeks to increase the internal competitiveness of the white squad before facing the demanding stretch of the European and league calendars. The sports management supports the coach's demand to prioritize immediate performance over the contractual status of the squad.
Real Madrid's coaching staff will analyze the intensity in the weekly training sessions before making a final decision on the attack. Real Madrid will visit the Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday, September 20, 2026, to face Atlético de Madrid, where José Mourinho will decide whether to keep the Brazilian forward in the starting lineup or give the starting position to Yan Diomande.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La amenaza de Mourinho a Vinícius
