Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho believes Vinicius Junior will overcome his difficult start to the season and return to his best form.
The 25-year-old Brazilian forward has scored once and provided three assists in nine appearances, with his performances lacking consistency.
Vinicius’ recent problems were compounded by a controversial red card against Villarreal, prompting further questions about his form. Mourinho, however, has rejected concerns over the winger’s struggles and remains convinced he has the quality to recover his attacking influence.
“He is going to emerge. It's just a question of when,” Mourinho told TNT Sports.
The Portuguese manager said he had adjusted his handling of Vinicius after the previous match, choosing to leave him out initially before introducing him when the game required his particular qualities.
“After the previous match, I decided to take a different approachto protect him a little and then bring him on when the game called for a player like Vini,” Mourinho said.
The decision appeared to have a positive effect, with the player receiving a warm response from supporters as he began to prepare to enter the match.
“I think that worked out well: the stadium, which had sometimes voiced disapproval, immediately rallied behind him the moment he started warming up,” Mourinho added.
Mourinho believes that reaction could prove significant in helping Vinicius rebuild his confidence and rediscover the enjoyment that has been central to his style of play.
“I believe that was a crucial turning point for him. It seemed like something clicked for him, reigniting that joy and reminding him of the kind of player he truly is,” he said.