Overview
- Reports on Wednesday say José Mourinho has taken direct charge of a club-backed programme that combines private Portuguese-language conversations, visible public support and coordinated work with coaches and personal trainers to revive Vinicius Jr.
- The intervention follows a clear drop in the forward's output this season, episodes of being benched and a high-profile disallowed goal and red card in the Villarreal game that increased scrutiny of his place in the team.
- Mourinho has urged specific changes to Vinicius's daily routine after noting the player was spending long hours at the Valdebebas rather than resting at home, and staff have adjusted his recovery and training plan with his fitness coaches.
- Real Madrid executives view Vinicius as both a key dressing-room figure and a major sporting and commercial asset under a six‑season contract worth €25m a year, which has sharpened the club's focus on restoring his form.
- If Mourinho's programme restores confidence and performance, Vinicius could solidify his starting role amid growing competition and help ease tensions with supporters, while a continued slump would force tougher selection choices for the coaching staff.