JOSE MOURINHO has admitted he would have forced his way out of Real Madrid if he were in Vinicius Jr’s shoes.
The Brazilian superstar has found himself at the centre of another storm at the Bernabeu after a difficult start to the season, with his place in the team now under threat.
Vinicius was heavily linked with a blockbuster move to Arsenal over the summer in a deal that would have sent shockwaves around Europe.
But he ultimately committed his future to Madrid by signing a new contract running until 2032.
Mourinho, however, believes his winger could have benefited from a fresh start away from the Spanish giants.
The Portuguese boss said: “If I were (Vinicius), in his place, I probably wouldn’t be here.
“Last summer I would have forced my exit to a league, to a country, to clubs and stadiums where they’d respect him.
“But because he’s a Madrid fan, he has love for the club and the city, he believes things can always improve, he renewed, and he’ll keep that smile.
“I think there’s nothing or no-one that can take that away, that joy for living and working. He’s a great boy.”
“When he signed that contract, he signed it because Madrid is his home, and Real Madrid is his home. He’s one of the main sources of joy in that dressing room.
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“What I said before was that I doubt I’d be able – as a player with lots of options – I doubt whether I’d be able to have his psychological strength, to hold on.”
Mourinho’s comments come amid growing uncertainty over Vinicius’ role in his Madrid side.
The winger was hauled off after an hour during their clash away to Roma on Wednesday, with Madrid trailing 3-1.
Mourinho brought on Endrick, and the substitute helped turn the game around as Madrid eventually claimed a dramatic 4-3 victory, with Carlos Espi also scoring after coming off the bench.
After Vinicius’ substitution, Mourinho said: “I don’t care what he thinks about the decision. Did you see the game after he came off?
“I’m the coach here. I decide who plays and who doesn’t. If Vini isn’t performing, it’s my responsibility to take him out of the game. That’s part of my job.”
The decision has raised further questions over Vinicius’ place in the starting XI, particularly with the Brazilian also facing a four-match LaLiga ban.
He was sent off during the 1-0 win over Villarreal last weekend after pulling Nathan Saliba’s hair, before receiving a two-match suspension for the incident and another two games for his “aggressive” reaction.
The comments come after a turbulent period at the Bernabeu, where player power was a major talking point last season.
Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe were both accused of undermining Xabi Alonso during the first half of the campaign, with the current Chelsea boss eventually losing his job.
The problems continued under Alvaro Arbeloa, now in charge of Fulham, as Madrid endured a trophyless campaign.
Mourinho is now tasked with restoring order, but results have not entirely eased the pressure.
Los Blancos have won eight of their ten matches in all competitions this season, yet have looked far from convincing compared with Hansi Flick‘s rampant Barcelona side.
The Catalan giants have won all 11 of their matches, scoring 48 goals, and sit nine points clear of Madrid, who have a game in hand.
Madrid face Sevilla tonight before travelling to the Camp Nou for next Sunday’s Clasico.
If they lose, it would leave Mourinho under immediate pressure despite only taking charge over the summer – a reminder of just how unforgiving the Real Madrid job can be.