Real Madrid: Mourinho Says Performance, Not Status, Makes Players ‘Untouchable’

Jose Mourinho has made it clear that no player at Real Madrid is guaranteed a place in the team, warning Vinicius Junior and the club’s other stars that their performances will determine their standing.

The Real Madrid coach issued the warning on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash with RB Leipzig, with Brazilian winger Vinicius facing competition following a difficult spell.

Vinicius has been struggling for form this season and is currently serving a four-match La Liga ban for hair-pulling. He is, however, available for the encounter against Leipzig.

His position faces increased competition from Ivorian winger Yan Diomande, Real Madrid’s record 140 million euro ($157 million) signing, who has impressed in recent weeks. Diomande scored in Sunday’s La Liga victory over Sevilla in Vinicius’s absence.

Responding to a question about whether Vinicius risked losing his place because of Diomande’s form, Mourinho insisted that no individual was above the club.

“Only the club badge is untouchable,” he told reporters.

“I don’t like the concept of untouchable players.

“What makes a player untouchable is not his status, the armband, his years at the club, how much was paid for him, what makes him untouchable is his performance on the pitch.”

The Portuguese tactician said Vinicius would start on the left wing against Leipzig, while confirming that he had not yet told Diomande whether he would feature from the beginning.

Madrid are targeting a third consecutive victory in the Champions League league phase as they welcome the German side. Their domestic campaign has been less convincing, with the club sitting third in La Liga, six points behind leaders Barcelona ahead of Sunday’s meeting between the teams.

Mourinho acknowledged that Real Madrid remain some distance from the standard he wants to establish, despite having spent three or four months working with the team.

“A long way off… we’ve been here three or four months, it’s impossible to be where we want to be,” he said.

“We always have to improve, be it individually or collectively… I understand the demands (at this club) are the maximum.”

The coach, who previously managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, said his familiarity with the club’s expectations would help him maintain his focus despite the work still required.

“I’ve been here three years (2010-2013), and so I know perfectly well how things are. I can’t lose my direction… (even though) I know there is a lot of work to do.”

Meanwhile, French defender Ibrahima Konate expressed admiration for Mourinho, highlighting the respect he commands in the dressing room.

“He’s a great manager, I think he has this aura that not many managers have, because he doesn’t need to speak and everyone will listen and respect him,” Konate told reporters.

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