Vinicius tries Mourinho's patience
The Brazilian has started the season below his level
Vinicius, 26-year-old forward for Real Madrid, is going through a season start below his usual performance levels and was already substituted by José Mourinho against Elche on September 15th. The Brazilian has scored one goal in LaLiga, while the coach has requested a higher offensive output from him. The Real Madrid transfer market extended his contract until 2032.
Vinicius keeps his starting position, but Mourinho is already pointing him out
Vinicius has started all league games he played as a starter, but his offensive statistics do not match this consistency. In five recorded matchdays, he has 1 goal and 3 assists, with 443 minutes played according to available data.
The lack of goals had already been pointed out by Mourinho before the Elche match. The Real Madrid coach stated on September 14th that the best version of the Brazilian requires scoring, although he also highlighted his teamwork and commitment during the games.
The message did not imply an immediate loss of confidence. Mourinho expressed satisfaction with Vinicius, but also mentioned that he had not yet delivered the performance level expected of him.
Against Elche, the scenario changed during the second half. Vinicius had a clear chance in the 65th minute, when he missed the target while facing Dituro alone, and was substituted three minutes later alongside Arda Güler.
Real Madrid: Diomande adds competition for Vinicius
The substitution at the Martínez Valero gains relevance due to Diomande's performance, who took Vinicius' position and participated in Real Madrid's second goal. The Ivorian also started competing for minutes in attacking positions.
The debate arises before the derby against Atlético. The match will take place this Sunday, September 20th, and Vinicius faces the game after having scored only three goals against Atlético since joining Real Madrid, none of them at the Metropolitano.
The contrast in production with Kylian Mbappé also influences the context. The Frenchman has scored eight goals in this season's start, while Vinicius remains at one, a gap that has intensified the scrutiny on the Brazilian's performance.
Mourinho still shows confidence
The coach's patience has not yet translated into a decision to relegate Vinicius to the bench. In fact, specialized media indicate that his starting spot is not immediately jeopardized despite the Elche match.
Vinicius himself acknowledged after the match that he needs to improve his finishing and admitted he cannot waste so many opportunities. The player now faces the derby with the statistical obligation to raise his output.
Therefore, the next match will be another test for Vinicius. Real Madrid visits Atlético on September 20th, and Mourinho will have to decide whether to keep the Brazilian in the lineup or utilize internal competition to alter the attack; the displayed patience thus far weighs more than the debate sparked by his numbers.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Vinicius agota la paciencia de Mourinho