Real Madrid News
Jose Mourinho’s major challenge at Real Madrid involves getting two superstars to click
Jose Mourinho has made one attacking problem a major priority at Real Madrid: finding a way to make Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe function as a truly devastating partnership.
Journalist Tomas Roncero (via Mundo Deportivo) says Mourinho remains fully committed to Vinicius despite the criticism surrounding the Brazilian international.
The Portuguese tactician is said to have no intention of pushing him towards the bench, despite the pressure surrounding his poor form.
Vinicius remains central to Mourinho’s plans
Mourinho believes he needs Vinicius and is determined not to lose him mentally or football-wise.
The Brazilian may not currently be at his sharpest in attack, but the manager is said to be working closely with him and offering genuine support.
Even the dressing room is said to be of the opinion that the 26-year-old being whistled by a section of the Bernabeu is not fair and that he deserves to be helped.
The message inside Madrid appears clear: Vinicius is still viewed as a fundamental player, and a few months of indifferent performances will not change that.
The real objective is Vinicius plus Mbappe
Roncero believes Mourinho’s biggest attacking goal is to finally create proper chemistry between Vinicius and Mbappe.
That has been one of Madrid’s unresolved issues since the Frenchman arrived.
Both players have produced goals, decisive moments and individual brilliance, but they have not consistently looked like a partnership that plays off each other’s strengths.
Mbappe naturally wants spaces where he can attack centrally, while Vinicius is most dangerous when he can isolate defenders from the left and drive inside.
The challenge is giving both freedom without making Madrid’s attack predictable or leaving too many players occupying the same zones.
Mourinho has a huge opportunity
For Madrid and Mourinho, getting this partnership to work could define the season.
Jude Bellingham already gives the attack another clear reference from the No. 10 role, and Mourinho now has the chance to build something more coherent around all three.
If he can make Vinicius and Mbappe complement each other rather than simply coexist, Madrid’s ceiling rises dramatically.
The onus is on the Portuguese tactician to get the best out of the duo and set Madrid up for success, not just this season but beyond.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
