Mourinho: Watching Vinícius Struggle 'Breaks My Heart' as Real Madrid Star Faces Champions League Test in Rome
José Mourinho has thrown his support behind Vinícius Júnior, admitting that the Real Madrid forward's difficult start to the season "breaks my heart" and urging the Brazilian to rediscover his best level in the Champions League.
Speaking to Sky Italia on Tuesday, ahead of Madrid's Champions League trip to Rome, Mourinho addressed the forward's struggles directly. "I've said that it breaks my heart to see Vini in this situation," he said. The comments were reported by The Athletic.
A Season Without a Decisive Impact
Mourinho said Vinícius has yet to find the satisfaction of making a decisive impact this season, despite his effort, and pointed to the Champions League as an opportunity while the forward is unavailable in the league. The numbers underline the concern: Vinícius has scored once in nine appearances for Madrid this season and recorded a single direct assist across his last six matches. He also went without a goal or assist for Brazil during the international break, in matches against Australia and India.
His frustration spilled over on Saturday. Vinícius started on the bench against Villarreal before being sent off after pulling Nathan Saliba's hair. A goal he scored moments later was ruled out, and teammates had to pull him away as he protested the decision. Madrid went on to win 1-0, with Yan Diomande scoring his first goal for the club.
Suspension Threatens the Clásico
The sending-off has made an already difficult run more complicated. Vinícius is set to miss the league match against Sevilla, and the referee's report will determine whether the suspension also rules him out of the first Clásico of the season, scheduled for 25 October at Camp Nou. Prior coverage indicated LaLiga's disciplinary process moved quickly against the forward, with a multi-game ban announced in the build-up to Madrid's trip to face Roma.
Mourinho framed the European fixture as a chance for Vinícius to respond, since a domestic league suspension does not prevent him from playing in the Champions League. His appeal was about the forward's form and confidence rather than a separate club announcement; The Athletic reported that both the coach and Real Madrid have publicly backed Vinícius on several occasions.
Public Backing Meets Growing Competition
Madrid improved and extended Vinícius' contract this summer through 2032. He has faced boos from Bernabéu supporters during early league fixtures, though fans also showed support after his dismissal against Villarreal. Mourinho's latest remarks add to that public backing as the forward seeks a response on the pitch.
There is also competition for places in Madrid's attack. Kylian Mbappé has scored eight goals and provided two assists in eight games, while Diomande has announced himself with his first Madrid goal. The Athletic noted that Diomande's emergence could either spur Vinícius or reduce his role.
The next immediate test is whether the Brazilian can use the Rome fixture to give Mourinho the decisive impact he says has been missing.