Real Madrid News
Former manager praises Real Madrid for backing key attacker: ‘Impossible to have more support’
Former Real Madrid manager Jorge Valdano has offered a detailed assessment of Los Blancos’ emphatic 6-1 victory over AS Monaco.
He also used the platform to reflect not only on the team’s performance but also on the situation surrounding Vinicius Jr.
The former player, coach, and sporting director made it clear that the Brazilian has enjoyed extraordinary backing from the club at every level.
Analysing the context around the Brazilian, Valdano was emphatic when addressing claims that the forward lacks support inside the club.
From his point of view, the reality could not be more different. Speaking about the institutional backing Vinicius has received, he stated,
“It’s impossible to have more support than Vinicius has had. From the president and now from the new coach. It’s impossible.”
More on Vinicius and Perez
Valdano went further by highlighting the personal involvement of Florentino Perez in supporting the Brazilian.
“Everything Florentino has done for Vinicius is unprecedented in the history of football,” he said, before recalling one of the most symbolic decisions made by the club hierarchy.
“Getting an entire team off a bus and not attending the Ballon d’Or gala because he didn’t win it, I think that’s a sign not only of affection, but of the club’s commitment to the player,” he added.
The former Argentina international also addressed Vinicius’ behaviour on the pitch, particularly his reaction after scoring against Monaco.
Unlike previous goals at the Santiago Bernabeu, the Brazilian chose not to celebrate with the crowd, instead turning immediately towards his teammates.
“Vinicius has shown that it’s not easy. He got his revenge on people in a way. He didn’t celebrate his great goal with the fans,” he explained.
While Valdano believes the incident will quickly fade from public memory, he still sees it as meaningful in understanding the player.
“It will be forgotten in three days, but it does give an indication of the player’s personality,” he concluded.
Source: Mundo Deportivo
Real Madrid News
Mourinho reacts to Vinicius suspension: “Why announce it two hours before an important match?”
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has questioned the RFEF Disciplinary Committee’s decision to announce Vinicius Jr.’s four-match suspension just hours before their UEFA Champions League meeting with AS Roma on Wednesday.
The Brazilian has been hit with a four-match ban for his red card against Villarreal, meaning he will miss the matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander, and Valencia.
And, speaking to Movistar+ (h/t MARCA) before the match, the Real Madrid manager was asked whether the punishment could affect the Brazilian psychologically.
Mourinho instead turned his attention to the football authorities and the timing of their announcement.
“I think that is a question for the Committee. Why have they announced the suspension at this particular moment? If you are asking me this question, it is presumably because you think it could affect him,” the Portuguese coach replied.
“You should ask the Committee why they did not announce it this morning, or tomorrow morning. Why do they do it two hours before a match that is important for Real Madrid, which is a Spanish club?” he added, questioning the timing of the decision.
Mourinho explains his tactical approach against Roma
The Real Madrid manager also outlined his plan for facing a Roma side known for their aggressive pressing.
“My intention is to stop them from pressing us so high up the pitch, given the players we have available and as a precaution,” he said.
Continuing, the Portuguese manager added: “They press man-to-man higher up the pitch better than anyone else, and we will see whether we can take advantage of that. If not, they will have to drop their press five or ten metres.”
Why Rudiger over Huijsen
Mourinho also justified his decision to start Antonio Rudiger at centre-back alongside Ibrahima Konate rather than Dean Huijsen.
“They played very well together in the last match, Rudiger and Konate, showing great leadership and the ability to withstand a difficult situation when we had ten men for 30 minutes,” he said.
“I am not saying Dean is not capable of playing a match like this, but this is a wonderful atmosphere for Roma and a difficult one for us. I think a player with Antonio’s experience can be important,” Mourinho added.
Finally, Mourinho was asked about his emotions ahead of returning to face Roma, the club he managed between 2021 and 2024.
The Portuguese coach offered a brief response, saying that he had his feelings about the occasion “blocked”.
