Real Madrid manager José Mourinho is facing mounting pressure after a sluggish start to the LaLiga season that has left the club sitting fourth in the standings, six points behind reigning champions Barcelona. Following two defeats in their opening seven matches, critics and former players are openly questioning the Portuguese coach’s tactical system and demanding disciplinary action for underperforming stars like Vinicius Junior.
Tactical Friction Under José Mourinho
José Mourinho was tasked with restoring competitiveness after consecutive trophy-less LaLiga campaigns for Real Madrid. Yet, Los Blancos have already suffered two losses in their first seven fixtures, leaving them trailing at fourth place in the table. The team has scored 18 goals so far, with Kylian Mbappe accounting for seven of them. Despite boasting an attacking trident featuring Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham, analysts and former players argue the squad lacks both offensive explosion and defensive solidity.
Former Real Madrid player Hipolito ‘Poli’ Rincon voiced sharp criticism of the team’s current trajectory during an appearance on YouTube channel Ruben Martin. “I want Mourinho pergi [to leave] because I think he is no good for Real Madrid, no good regarding the team’s style of play, no good for the club, and also no good for the fans,” Rincon stated. “I constantly feel tense with Mourinho. What I have seen from this Real Madrid team makes me sad, it hurts… I love Real Madrid.”
Vinicius Junior Faces Calls for the Bench
Beyond the manager, attention has locked onto the struggles of winger Vinicius Junior. After resolving his long-term future by signing a new contract in August, the Brazilian forward’s production dipped to just one goal and three assists across seven matches. That output has frustrated sections of the fanbase, prompting analysts to suggest that high wages should not guarantee a spot in the starting eleven.
Rincon dismissed the idea that financial compensation dictates team selection. “Players have to play more or play less depending on salary? When people say that, it gives me a headache. You earn your place on the pitch not because of your salary. Just because Vinicius is paid 25 million euros, does it mean he has to play? No, I would bench him,” Rincon said. “You know what you have to do? Run more, fight harder, contribute more, dribble more, create more assists, score more goals. It’s as simple as that.”
Additional media coverage from Radio Marca, cited by outlets like Acehground, adds that Spanish sports journalist Matias Prats also argued for a tactical benching. Prats pointed out that Vinicius lacks his usual vitality and aggressiveness on the flank, suggesting a stint among the substitutes could serve as a necessary warning. Observers have floated alternatives such as young winger Yan Diomande or introducing a pure striker like Carlos Espai to inject new depth into Madrid’s attack.
Mourinho faces pressure after defeats and Vinicius draws criticism for poor form
Why is José Mourinho under pressure at Real Madrid?
Mourinho is under pressure because Real Madrid has suffered two defeats in its opening seven LaLiga matches, dropping to fourth place in the standings and falling six points behind league leaders Barcelona.
What are critics saying about Vinicius Junior’s performance?
Former players and analysts note that Vinicius has managed only one goal and three assists in his first seven matches following his contract renewal. Critics like Hipolito ‘Poli’ Rincon and Matias Prats argue that high wages should not shield him from being benched for poor form and a lack of on-field aggression.
Who are alternative attacking options for Real Madrid?
Observers have suggested promoting young winger Yan Diomande or utilizing a pure striker to diversify Real Madrid’s offensive options under Mourinho.