Real Madrid News
Brazil NT coach asks not to have ‘excessive expectations’ from Real Madrid star
Brazil national team head coach Dorival Junior has urged everyone to avoid placing too much pressure on Real Madrid’s star player, Vinicius Jr., drawing comparisons to how similar expectations were placed on Neymar in the past.
His comments come as Brazil revealed their squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Chile and Peru, with big names like Vinicius, Rodrygo, Eder Militao, and Endrick featuring prominently.
During a press conference, Dorival made it clear that the immense expectations surrounding Vinicius could do more harm than good. The forward has faced criticism for his performances with the national team, and Dorival is eager to reduce that pressure.
“It will be a job for all of us. First of all, we must not generate excessive expectations,” the coach began by saying as quoted by SPORT.
The coach emphasised the need for a balanced approach to the young forward’s development, stating that no one should expect immediate results or constant high-level performances from the player in every match.
“I don’t think there should be expectations of having a high level and an obligation to try to give results at every moment.
“If we continue with these demands that we want to see the same player at a specific moment, in a situation, and it doesn’t happen in the national team. We need to be calm to be able to wait for the moment when everything happens,” he added.
The Neymar case
Dorival highlighted that football is a team effort and that the weight of expectations should not solely rest on one player’s shoulders. He reminded fans that footballers need time and space to grow, and pushing them too hard too soon can backfire.
Drawing parallels to Neymar’s early years, he suggested that Brazil had learned from past mistakes, where unrealistic expectations around Neymar created unnecessary pressure. This, in turn, led to frustrations when things didn’t go exactly as planned on the field.
“I think we followed the whole process in relation to Neymar and this has been happening for years.
“And I think we saw that it would not be a healthy path for us to create and generate excessive expectations, then we ourselves brought frustration upon ourselves,” he noted.
Vinicius has all the talent needed to become a standout for Brazil, but as Dorival stressed, his development must be gradual and steady.
The hope is that by managing the pressure more carefully, Vinicius can thrive and eventually deliver the kind of performance that everyone expects. The key is not to rush the process.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
