"A decision no one will forgive him for": Vinicius puts Mourinho before his first big test
José Mourinho faces his first real test in managing thorny issues since his return to Real Madrid. The capital derby against Atlético Madrid arrives tomorrow, Sunday, and neither side has fully revealed its starting line-up.
At Real Madrid, attention centres on Mourinho's options in midfield and attack. Yan Diomandé has forced his way to the fore of late, opening the door to the "Special One's" first big call this season: starting his Ivorian star at the expense of Vinícius Júnior.
"El Larguero" on "Cadena SER" radio discussed Mourinho's anticipated decisions, and whether he can keep the Brazilian on the bench as his form dips.
Vinícius doubts and the fallout from the derby: "at Real Madrid there are no grey areas"
The famous programme turned its attention to Mourinho's latest calls, chief among them the possibility of leaving Vinicius, in the middle of a rough patch, on the bench.
Journalist Julio Pulido joined the discussion, saying: "In the context of Real Madrid, there will be a buzz regardless of what happens. I mean, if Real Madrid win, there will be a positive buzz from those who want to see a Real Madrid different from previous years. A win can reinforce this idea."
Pulido then flagged the flip side, warning of a negative buzz should the display fall flat. "... there are still those who have doubts about Mourinio's Real Madrid. A defeat against Atletico Madrid would make this buzz grow. But at Real Madrid there is always a buzz. Sometimes excessively positive and sometimes very negative too. At Real Madrid there are no grey areas."
Diomandé pushes hard
Javier Herráez says all eyes will be on Vinícius, arguing that "...the one who needs to deliver a good match is Vinícius". The Brazilian has fallen well short of his best in several games, and the doubts around him are mounting.
Herráez added: "..this is not an opinion, but information. He needs a good match. He won the Champions League twice, he is a star in the team, but two years have passed since then. He needs a good match this season because he is at a lower level than expected of him, and now there is Diomande, who was signed for a reason. He is putting pressure on him".
A decision many will not forgive him for: Mourinho's difficult test!
The programme's host, Manu Carreño, stepped in to argue that Real Madrid brought José Mourinho back precisely to handle matters like this.
He said: "The fans will not accept Vinícius and Mbappé playing by compulsory decree (from the club president). This is what I think many will not forgive him for, because Mourinho came specifically to make decisions of this kind. If Vinícius is not doing well, he should sit on the bench, something that it seemed previous coaches were held hostage to. So many Real Madrid supporters expect that if Vinícius is not at the required level, that's no problem, but he should be benched."
Carreño concluded: "I think that if there is anyone capable of doing that, it is Mourinho. Many Real Madrid supporters will be disappointed in Mourinho if he plays Vinícius and Mbappé whether they are at a good or bad level, especially Vini, who I don't know why he played every match."
