Mourinho on Vinicius: 'Everyone Expects More From Vini'
Mourinho addresses Vinicius Jr's form before Real Madrid face Valencia, speaks on Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal decision and jokes about Barcelona vs Atletico.
Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho used his pre-match press conference ahead of the La Liga clash with Valencia to address the growing debate around Vinicius Jr. The Brazilian forward has come under fire after his recent display against AEK, prompting questions over whether he could be dropped from the starting XI.
Team comes first for Mourinho
Mourinho praised the winger's work rate and said Vinicius has a very close relationship with every one of his team-mates. However, he made it clear that when he picks his line-up, the needs of the team will always outweigh any individual.
The Portuguese coach also pushed back on the criticism. In his view, nobody would be talking about the AEK performance if Vini were an ordinary player. Because he is Vinicius and expectations are so high, Mourinho argued, his display is judged far more harshly.
Ronaldo respect and a Clasico-style jibe
Asked about Cristiano Ronaldo's decision regarding his future with the Portugal national team, Mourinho said it deserves respect, adding that anyone who knows Cris understands he still has goals he wants to achieve in his career.
On the meeting between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, Mourinho kept it light, saying he would like both sides to lose, a remark that underlines how tight the La Liga title race is shaping up for Real Madrid.
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