Mourinho on Vinicius ban: "I thought he would get more games"

José Mourinho faced the media on Friday at Valdebebas to preview Sevilla's visit to the Santiago Bernabéu, a key fixture for Real Madrid to keep pace in the LaLiga title race. The Portuguese coach addressed several pressing topics, including Vinicius' suspension, Arda Güler's growing influence and the impact of Endrick's recent performances in the Champions League comeback.

• Mourinho admitted relief over Vinicius' four-match ban: "I thought he would get more games".
• He strongly defended Vinicius and insisted he would not have handled the pressure as well in his own career.
• The coach praised Arda Güler's talent as a midfielder and highlighted his versatility at only 21.
• On Endrick and squad rotation, he said 15 or 16 players deserve to start every single week.
• He confirmed Militao's return and ruled out asking for signings in the winter transfer window.

Mourinho breathes easy after Vinicius suspension

Vinicius' four-game suspension was one of the biggest talking points of the press conference. Mourinho did not hide his satisfaction with the final decision, although he aimed a clear dig at those he believes have been campaigning against the Brazilian. "I am happy because I thought he would get more games. I thought the hidden cats were going to give him one or two more," he said.

The coach refused to blame Vinicius for the incident that led to his sending-off. Instead, he pointed to the tactical approach of Atalanta and Gian Piero Gasperini during the Champions League match. "The main culprit for his difficult game is Gasperini, who attacked us down only one flank. Three men against Cucurella and him. It is hard to make changes as a coach because some information does not arrive well," he explained.

Why Mourinho has Vinicius' back so fiercely

Mourinho did not hesitate to back his star forward. He described him as "a spectacular guy with whom it is very easy to have a good relationship" and stressed the mental strength the player shows. "He manages to live and survive with a smile. If it were me, I probably would not be here. This past summer I would have forced a move to a club and stadium that respects him," he said bluntly.

Out of love for the club and the city, believing he can improve, he renewed and keeps that smile.

From a purely sporting angle, Mourinho made it clear that Vinicius will have to work harder to get back to his best level. "Vinicius' future is working more than those who have to play every game. Without promising anything, I think he will start in the Champions League on Wednesday," he revealed. The coach also took a light-hearted jab at journalists regarding the focus on Vinicius' routines: "Do the people who follow you care what time we arrive at Valdebebas? What about the time we leave? It is funny."

Arda Güler and his new midfield duties

Arda Güler has become one of the hottest names around Real Madrid in recent weeks. Mourinho has handed him a more central role and the Turkish talent is responding with high-level displays. The coach highlighted the work behind the 21-year-old's progress: "It is hard for you to give credit to hard work. It seems that negative things always have an owner and positive things are just a consequence of failure or luck."

Regarding his position, Mourinho underlined Güler's flexibility and how he fits into the system. "Arda is a very talented player, we know that. He is not a finished product yet, obviously, he is 21. He has the tools to be multifunctional. I am very happy," he said. He also shared a broader view on what demands from any top midfielder: "A player who only defends is limited. If he only attacks, it is better to play out wide or as a number 10. To be top, you need a different kind of quality."

Endrick's role and the meritocracy debate

The stunning comeback in Rome put several players in the spotlight. Endrick, who changed the game from the bench, was the focus of many questions about rotation and competition for places. Mourinho admitted that managing minutes is one of the toughest parts of his job: "In 10 minutes we had about 7 corners because we created an avalanche of football. There are many players who deserve to play. More than eleven deserve to play, there are 15 or 16."

The Portuguese coach also praised the daily work of Andriy Lunin, second-choice goalkeeper behind Thibaut Courtois. "Lunin deserves to play, and I am not joking. A guy who works the way he does every day with the best goalkeeper in the world and stays positive, but does not play. I cannot put both of them in the lineup," he explained. He applied the same logic to the rest of the squad: "Doesn't Diomande deserve to play? Doesn't Cucurella? Doesn't Valverde? Doesn't Mbappé? It means this is a hard part of a coach's job."

Mourinho closes the door on January signings

Asked about potential January reinforcements, Mourinho was firm. He confirmed that Éder Militao will be available and ruled out asking the board for new players. "Militao will be in the squad tomorrow. I am not asking for signings, I am happy. The players are improving, especially if we have time and calm. I have to develop them. I do not have the face of someone asking for players," he said.

The head coach doubled down on his preference for a tight squad with internal competition. "I like a short squad. For someone to come in, someone would have to leave. If the club considers something, we will evaluate it, but I have no initiative to ask for players. I am not asking for one or two signings," he added. Even so, he did not completely rule out a scenario in which the club takes the lead on its own.

Mourinho answers Tebas and defends his own method

Mourinho also reacted to recent comments from LaLiga president Javier Tebas and to recurring criticism over his lineup choices. On Tebas, he handled the matter with sarcasm: "You have already seen what I think. He has entered a field that only has excuses if it is a clinical case. Madridismo understands what Real Madrid is up against. Even with the giant prestige that Spanish football has abroad, with the World Cup, with the most prestigious club... it is better that he stays just here."

Finally, he mounted a strong defense of his authority as coach over external noise and polls: "I am here to do what I think is best for the team. The day will come when polls or artificial intelligence pick the teams and coaches are limited to on-field work. Until today, coaches are still the ones who make the teams." That said, he acknowledged listening to his inner circle: "I am not stubborn. I am open to my staff's opinion and analysis. But I can change through my own analysis and work."