Vinicius Junior (foto: uradna spletna stran kluba)
Jose Mourinho praised Kylian Mbappe’s extraordinary performance and revealed why he wanted Vinicius Junior to leave the pitch feeling the supporters’ appreciation.
Spremljajte Nogomanio kot prednostni vir na Googlu
Dodajte Nogomanio med priljubjene vire v Google News in
prejemajte najpomembnejše nogometne novice med prvimi.
Jose Mourinho praised Kylian Mbappe after his hat-trick inspired Real Madrid to a convincing 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad, but the Portuguese coach was equally pleased with his team’s composure during a difficult first half.
Real produced a dominant second-half performance in the rearranged fixture from the opening round of La Liga. Mbappe scored three times, while Vinicius Junior added Madrid’s fourth goal.
Croatia international Luka Sucic scored Real Sociedad’s only goal of the match.
Mourinho admitted that he does not normally like to single out individuals, but he made an exception after Mbappe’s outstanding display.
“I don’t usually like highlighting individual players, but what Mbappe did was pure madness. His quality is incredible,” Mourinho said.
The Real Madrid coach also explained why Mbappe’s contribution extends far beyond his goals.
“He can score and create chances. When the team is having problems, he drops deeper and connects our play so that we can gain territory and become dangerous. He played an incredible match.”
Mourinho refused to compare the French forward directly with former Real Madrid icon Cristiano Ronaldo, but stressed that Mbappe possesses his own exceptional qualities.
“I don’t like comparing players, but this guy is incredible. He is extremely hungry to succeed with Real Madrid. I would rather see him score 40 goals while working hard for a team that wins trophies than score 60 while thinking only about himself. I am extremely happy with him,” Mourinho added.
The Portuguese coach also praised the collective performance and named Jude Bellingham, Vinicius, Bernardo Silva and Federico Valverde among the players who contributed to the victory.
“The team behaved as one unit throughout the match. It was a great game with many excellent individual performances. The defenders dominated, and the midfield worked like a machine. We have world-class players who played for one another, and the supporters recognised that,” he said.
Mourinho also addressed the whistles heard around the Santiago Bernabeu during a difficult opening half for his team.
“We know the Bernabéu, and the players know it as well. Those reactions come from the club’s history and its high standards. Being a supporter is one thing, while being a coach or player is another. The fans pay to experience emotion, and we are where we are because we know how to remain calm when things become difficult.”
“A few whistles will not hurt anyone. On the contrary, they help you grow. ” Mourinho added.
The coach then explained why he substituted Vinicius shortly before the final whistle. Mourinho wanted the Brazilian to receive recognition from the crowd after scoring, while also protecting him ahead of Madrid’s next fixture.
“We speak the same language, so it is easier for us to joke with each other. I would never have taken Vini off without a goal and without a positive feeling,” Mourinho said.
“I substituted him because he needs a little rest and we have another match in three days. I thought it would be good to take him off after his goal. It was important for him to leave the pitch and feel the supporters’ appreciation.”
Mourinho was particularly encouraged by the way his players responded when the match was not going according to plan.
“I liked the team during the moments when things were not working because we are not prepared for anything else. When doubts appear, there must be no panic. Ultimately, we live by points, and we have six out of six,” Mourinho concluded.