Mourinho Backing Vinicius Jr. to Bounce Back, Report Says
The short version
- Real Madrid trail Barcelona by six points heading into the first international break.
- Vinicius Jr. has one goal and three assists in eight competitive matches this season.
- AS reports Mourinho remains a strong admirer of the Brazilian and expects his form to return.
- Arda Guler, Yan Diomande and Brahim Diaz are pushing for starting roles.
A Spanish outlet reports the Real Madrid manager still rates the Brazilian forward highly despite his slow start to the season.
Real Madrid head into the season's first international break sitting six points adrift of La Liga leaders Barcelona, with the form of Vinicius Jr. among the club's early worries.
The Brazilian, who recently signed a contract extension, has managed only one goal and three assists across eight competitive appearances this campaign. Reports had suggested Jose Mourinho's patience with the forward was running out and that his starting spot was in jeopardy.
According to AS, those claims do not reflect the situation. The Portuguese manager is said to remain an admirer of the 26-year-old, values his personality, and considers him among the rare players capable of altering a match on his own.
Mourinho is reported to be unconcerned by the forward's dip and expects his level to rise as the campaign goes on, even though he has substituted him early in most games when the winger has made little impression.
Vinicius faces competition for minutes from Arda Guler, Yan Diomande and Brahim Diaz, all of whom are seeking regular starts. If the downturn continues, further early substitutions would not come as a surprise.
