Mourinho Backs Suspended Vinícius

Dragon Media News Desk

Real Madrid coach José Mourinho has defended Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior, who is serving a four-match suspension after being sent off against Villarreal.

Vinícius was given a two-match ban for pulling the hair of Villarreal midfielder Nathan Saliba and a further two matches for protesting the referee’s decision. Real Madrid won the match 1–0.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s La Liga match against Sevilla, Mourinho called Vinícius “a spectacular guy” and said he was easy to get along with.

Mourinho also rejected suggestions that substituting Vinícius was decisive in Real Madrid’s 4–3 Champions League victory over Roma on Wednesday. Vinícius was replaced by Endrick, who played a key role in the late comeback.

Mourinho noted that he had made five substitutions during the match and said substitutions were simply part of football. He offered no clear indication of his starting lineup against Sevilla, saying that 15 or 16 players in his squad deserved to play.