Mourinho backs Vinicius and warns Sevilla: "He will start on Wednesday"

José Mourinho appeared in the Valdebebas press room this Saturday with his usual serious expression to review Real Madrid's current affairs. The aftermath of Tuesday's European clash in Rome and the open debates around players like Vinicius and Fede Valverde dominated the session. The coach left several clear messages before the LaLiga meeting with Sevilla.

• Mourinho admits the squad is tired but says there will be rest and rotations if needed against Sevilla.
• He confirms Vinicius is expected to start in the next game, without promising anything for the future.
• He defends Arda Güler's versatility and reminds that at 21 he is still not a finished product.
• He rules out asking for January signings: he prefers a short squad and internal development.
• He criticizes external polls and opinions on tactical decisions: "Opinions are not as valuable as coaches' opinions."

Post-Roma fatigue and the warning about Luis García's Sevilla

Mourinho did not hide that Tuesday's effort in the Italian capital left a mark on the group. Still, he played down the physical factor and reminded that he has alternatives on the bench to manage the most tired players. "The team is tired but tomorrow we will not be tired," he said. The strong form of the Andalusian side also came into his analysis.

The Portuguese coach praised Luis García's work at Sevilla and warned that the game will be demanding. The possibility of using other footballers, he said, is on the table because some players accumulated many minutes and rest will come before the match.

Vinicius, the tough night in Rome and his starting role against Sevilla

One of the main talking points was Vinicius' performance in Rome. Mourinho explained that the main reason behind the Brazilian's difficulties was Gasperini's approach, as the Italian side attacked relentlessly down the right flank. He also admitted he was bothered by the nature of the second goal conceded when the game was under control.

In that situation Vinicius has to play facing forward and he didn't do that, but it's over and nothing happens. I made five changes, not just one.

Regarding his immediate future, the coach was clear: "I think he will start on Wednesday." He avoided making promises because he doesn't like to. He also said he was happy with the four-match ban applied to the player, because he expected the "hidden cats" to give him a bigger punishment.

Vinicius' mental strength and his Real Madrid renewal

Mourinho spent several minutes highlighting the character of his player. He described him as a spectacular guy with whom it is very easy to have a good relationship and said there is not a single day without spending minutes alone with him. He gave huge value to his ability to survive the pressure and keep smiling.

The coach went further and confessed that in his place he probably would not have stayed at the club. "This last summer I would have forced a move to a competition or a country with stadiums that respect him," he admitted. Yet Vinicius renewed out of love for Real Madrid, the city and the belief that things can improve.

Güler, Valverde and the debate over meritocracy in the line-up

Mourinho also spoke about Arda Güler and defended the Turkish player's work. He recalled that he is a highly talented footballer and that, at 21, he is still not a finished product. His ability to be multifunctional makes him a valuable asset for the team and the coach is very happy with him.

On Güler and Valverde's roles, Mourinho defended his authority to make decisions. "A stubborn coach who is not open-minded is limited, but one who is open to polls or opinions is not a coach," he said. He added that he can change his mind, but only based on his own analysis and the work with his staff.

As for meritocracy, the Portuguese broadened the focus beyond Rome's goalscorers. He reminded that the five substitutes who came on deserve to play, but so do others like Cucurella or Diomande. He even mentioned Lunin, who competes with the best goalkeeper in the world and has great character.

No January signings: short squad and internal development

Mourinho made it clear he will not ask for reinforcements in the winter market. He is happy with the squad and his players, and believes that people normally improve individually and collectively if there is peace. His plan is to work on the players' evolution from within.

The coach prefers a short squad. "If someone comes in, someone should leave," he explained. However, if the club's top structure considered an operation, he would be willing to talk and evaluate. But on his own initiative, no.

Mourinho dodges the political debate: "There are limits and limits"

Asked about Javier Tebas' recent comparisons with the Nazi regime, Mourinho cut the topic short. "Don't say that. I don't want to talk about that," he replied. He added that there are limits and limits, and that the issue had entered a territory that would only be excusable in a clinical case.

He did leave one reflection on the club's position: "Madridismo increasingly understands what Real Madrid is up against." He defended the prestige of Spanish football abroad after the World Cup and LaLiga's role in having the best club in the world.

Frequently asked questions about Mourinho's press conference