Vinicius Struggling for Form! Mourinho Stands Firm: No Blame for Fans, He Trains Harder Than Anyone and Will Break Out Eventually

Before Real Madrid's Champions League match against Inter Milan, no one expected the whistles at the Bernabeu to arrive before the goals. Vinicius, who has been out of form, became the main target of the fans' whistles. Mourinho, who had just returned to coach at the Bernabeu, immediately stepped forward to support his player, delivering words that were direct and encouraging.

Before the match, a reporter asked Mbappe whether he and Vinicius should participate more in defense like Raphinha and Dembele. Mbappe was somewhat surprised by the question. He directly responded, "Me and Vinicius?" and said he might as well pretend not to understand, adding that he scores more goals and contributes in more ways, clearly showing his dissatisfaction with the question. Coincidentally, in this match, one of his less aggressive pressing actions helped create Real Madrid's first Champions League goal of the campaign, making it difficult to say whether it was simply an unexpected outcome.

Real Madrid started the match on the back foot, and whistles came from the stands after only ten minutes. Fans had originally planned to show support for Ceuta residents at the start of the match, but UEFA arranged a moment of silence for the Nepal flood disaster, and the supporters still expressed their intended support during the opening phase. This was Mourinho's first time leading Real Madrid in a Champions League match at the Bernabeu in 13 years. The previous time he managed the team in European competition at this stadium was the 2012-13 season semifinal against Borussia Dortmund, which was his final European match at the Bernabeu before leaving the club.

Thirteen years later, Mourinho still appeared calm and composed. From preseason until now, he has maintained his composure and barely left the coaching area throughout the match. Inter coach Qi Wu had previously followed Mourinho at Inter Milan and received guidance from him. This time, he was unable to sit still as his players repeatedly missed chances. After Real Madrid's poor start brought more whistles, Mourinho immediately stood up, applauded, and shouted encouragement to his players.

When Real Madrid previously lost to Real Betis, Mourinho said some defeats simply could not be explained. This time, Valverde took advantage of a serious mistake by the opponent's goalkeeper to extend the lead to 2-0, and Mourinho likely felt similarly. Real Madrid took a two-goal advantage through two opponent errors and two successful pressing moments; the process was difficult, but the result was satisfying.

Real Madrid had less than 35% possession in this match and completed far fewer passes than Inter. Inter repeatedly entered Courtois' penalty area throughout the game, while Real Madrid kept missing chances and had to endure pressure. Courtois delivered a standout performance, making five key saves and constantly organizing the defense while facing more than 20 shots. After Inter scored, the atmosphere in the stands intensified, and Vinicius, who failed to create an effective attacking contribution, immediately became the target of whistles.

Bellingham missed an excellent scoring chance before halftime and remained on the ground for a full minute to recover. In the second half, he missed several more opportunities, causing the tension at the Bernabeu to continue rising. Later, Brahim and Mbappe also failed to convert chances, and Mourinho raised his hands helplessly on the sideline, with his gestures saying everything.

Both Vinicius and Mbappe received significant whistles from fans. When Vinicius was substituted in the 86th minute, some sections of the stands produced especially loud whistles. Mourinho walked directly toward the sideline, applauded Vinicius, and gave him a hug, showing no intention of distancing himself from the player because of the fans' reaction. When reporters asked about his view of the supporters' response, Mourinho made his position clear.

Mourinho said he would not comment on the fans' reaction and that there was no need to say anything. Real Madrid supporters naturally have higher expectations, and people often ask whether he becomes angry with fans, but he does not care about that. He was satisfied as long as the team secured three points. He said Vinicius is indeed not currently at his best, something everyone can see, and Vinicius himself understands it better than anyone.

Vinicius is trying to recover the form that once allowed him to decide matches. During this period, he has trained harder than ever before. A lack of form can come from accumulated fatigue, and it is not easy for professional players to get through such periods. One day, Vinicius will stand up again and win matches that belong to him.

Professional football is indeed very realistic: when your form is good, you are everyone's favorite, but when your form drops, criticism comes from everywhere. Some coaches in this situation might follow the fans' opinions and say a few things to avoid responsibility. Mourinho chose not to do that. He knows whether a player has given his all, and when support is needed, he does not step back.

A coach like this can earn a lot of admiration. Standing behind a player and giving support can be more valuable than anything else. Vinicius' ability is clear, and with this level of effort in adjusting his form, he will eventually find his rhythm again. Real Madrid's win was not attractive, but they secured three points, injured players are gradually returning, and the team can continue to build momentum.

Many fans are also eager to see Vinicius return to form because of what he has shown in the past. He simply has not found his rhythm again yet. With more time, perhaps Vinicius could explode in the next match and silence all doubters.

Reference: Xinhua News Agency - Real Madrid defeat Inter Milan in the Champions League; Mourinho discusses Vinicius' form