Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has warned Vinicius Junior and other members of his star-studded squad that reputation and transfer fees will not guarantee them places in the team.
Mourinho issued the warning on Tuesday ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League meeting with RB Leipzig, as competition for attacking positions intensifies following the recent form of Ivorian winger Yan Diomande.
Vinicius has struggled for form this season and is serving a four-match suspension in La Liga for hair-pulling. He remains available for Wednesday’s European fixture, however, with Mourinho confirming that the Brazilian would start on the left wing.
Diomande, Madrid’s record €140m signing, has impressed in recent weeks and scored against Sevilla on Sunday when Vinicius was absent.
Asked whether Vinicius’s position was under threat because of Diomande’s performances, Mourinho said the club’s badge was the only thing that should be considered untouchable.
“I don't like the concept of untouchable players,” he told reporters, adding that a player’s performances, rather than status, leadership role, years at the club or transfer fee, should determine his place.
Mourinho said he had yet to inform Diomande whether he would start against Leipzig.
Madrid are seeking their third victory in as many matches in the Champions League league phase. In La Liga, however, they sit third, six points behind leaders Barcelona, whom they face on Sunday.
The Portuguese manager acknowledged that his team remained some distance from his desired standard, despite having been in charge for three or four months.
He said the squad needed to improve both individually and collectively, while recognising the high expectations associated with managing the Spanish giants.
Mourinho, who previously managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, said his familiarity with the club’s demands would help him remain focused on the work ahead.
Meanwhile, French defender Ibrahima Konate praised Mourinho’s authority, saying the veteran coach commanded respect even without having to speak.
“He has this aura that not many managers have,” Konate said, adding that players listened to and respected him.
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