In Matchday 3 of the UEFA Champions League league phase, Real Madrid defeated RB Leipzig 4-1. Following the match, Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho attended the post-match press conference, where he addressed several aspects of the contest.
Question: Vinicius looked a bit down... how is he right now? Does he need the supporters' backing now more than ever?
Mourinho: Whether someone is sad or not is a deeply personal matter. You might have an intuition about it, but only he can truly speak to how he feels. I am pleased with his performance. People always expect more from him, wanting him to be decisive in his individual attacking play. But he played a match that satisfied me.
Among the three attacking players, he bore the heaviest defensive responsibility because their right-back frequently tucked inside into the half-spaces, and Vinicius tracked back and defended diligently. Only once did a pass penetrate through the middle. In attack, although he didn't produce explosive runs all over the pitch, he maintained balance, took care of the ball without turning it over, and crafted a sublime attacking move that nearly found the net, denied only by an incredible save from the goalkeeper.
My substitution was not because I was dissatisfied with his display, but rather because we possess a strong bench that allows us to bring on players like Yan Diomande or Endrick, who can inject a different gear into the match. You will have to get used to this, because it is going to happen frequently moving forward: taking off a player who hasn't played poorly in order to introduce someone who can provide a different spark.
I understand your question... yes, I think he needs everyone's support. When players face boos from rival fans in away stadiums, they often channel that into added motivation. But when you are booed inside your own home stadium... that is genuinely painful. Nonetheless, I am very satisfied with his performance.
