Jose Mourinho Backs Vinicius Junior After Real Madrid Fans Whistle During Inter Victory

Mourinho Defends Vinicius Despite Bernabeu Whistles

Jose Mourinho stepped up to defend Vinicius Junior after the Real Madrid forward faced boos from his own fans during a narrow 2-1 Champions League win over Serie A champions Inter at the Bernabeu. The Brazilian was substituted late in the game, and the crowd expressed frustration over his subdued performance.

Real Madrid Edge Out Inter Amid Fan Discontent

Kylian Mbappe and Federico Valverde scored to secure the victory for Real Madrid, opening their Champions League group stage on a positive note. Still, the mood soured late as Vinicius Junior left the pitch in the 87th minute to whistles from home supporters unhappy with his inability to break down Inter's stubborn defense.

Mourinho Praises Vinicius's Work Rate Despite Form

Speaking after the match, Mourinho admitted that Vinicius is not currently at his peak but praised his defensive commitment and effort despite fatigue.

"He isn’t at his best, and he knows it," Mourinho said. "But he’s working hard to be the Vinicius who decides games. Without being at his best, he’s working harder than ever."

The coach highlighted how fatigue impacted Vinicius's ability to track back late in the game and emphasized respect for his dedication.

"In the moments he couldn’t drop back and defend, it was because of tiredness. I value that a lot. I have a lot of respect for this Vinicius. The time will come when he decides games and wins us games."

Mourinho also pointed out the tactical challenge posed by Inter's wing-back system.

"If he works, he’ll always have my support. He worked very hard for the team. Playing against a side with three at the back and wing-backs is tough for wingers. With the one-on-ones he had on the left wing, if Vini was at his best, he’d kill the game. That’s what we expect from him. But he gave everything."

Challenges Mount for Vinicius in Madrid

This incident adds to a tough stretch for Vinicius. After a difficult 2025-26 season marked by criticism from fans, he renewed his contract this summer but has had a slow start to the new campaign, scoring just one goal and providing two assists in five appearances.

The match against Inter also showed some squad problems for Mourinho. Suspensions to Bernardo Silva, Arda Guler, and Eduardo Camavinga forced the manager to use Trent Alexander-Arnold out of position in central midfield. Mourinho acknowledged the challenge for Trent:

"It’s hard for Trent. I appreciate the effort he made, but playing full-back or central midfield requires different physical qualities. He had some losses of the ball because it’s not the same playing with the whole field in front of you versus half the field behind you. He’s played there before with Liverpool and the national team, but it’s completely different. He didn’t have more to give."

Vinicius Faces Pressure to Regain Support

As Real Madrid prepare for their next La Liga match, a Madrid derby against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, Vinicius Junior has a chance to quiet his critics at home. European competition pauses for the international break, then Madrid will travel to face Serie A side Roma. After overcoming Inter, Mourinho will reunite with another former club as Los Blancos look to build on their opening victory.

• Upcoming Matches:
• La Liga: Real Madrid vs Rayo Vallecano, 12 Sept 2026, 21:00
• Serie A: Udinese vs Inter, 14 Sept 2026, 20:45