Mourinho reveals crafty tactics teams use to target Vinicius

Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has launched a passionate defence of Vinícius Júnior, claiming the Brazilian winger is being systematically targeted and bullied by opponents.

Mourinho’s remarks followed Real Madrid’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Espanyol in their 2026/27 LALIGA opener on Saturday, August 22.

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In a relatively quiet attacking performance from the Brazilian, he was repeatedly brought down throughout the physical encounter, suffering eight separate fouls at the RVDE Stadium.

During his post-match press conference, Mourinho did not hold back in his assessment of the opposition's defensive tactics.

He detailed exactly how teams strategically rotate their physical challenges to constantly disrupt the forward without picking up multiple red cards.

“It's a pattern that repeats from one opponent to another (I foul him first, then you foul him, and if you get a yellow card you foul him, and if you're substituted, another comes on without a card to foul him),” Mourinho explained to the press.

He elaborated that players take turns fouling the Brazilian, waiting until they receive a yellow card before another teammate continues the physical barrage.

Mourinho also acknowledged the irony of his current stance, given his own history of criticising the winger's provocations during his recent managerial stint at Benfica.

"I know there is a risk that you go back a few months and dig out my previous comments from when I was an opponent of Vini," he admitted.

"Now Vini is my player. He is not a saint, but what they do to him goes beyond all limits from the very first minute."

Despite slamming the opposition's tactics, Mourinho emphasised that Vinícius must also take personal responsibility for his emotional reactions on the pitch.

He confirmed that he has urged his star player to show mental fortitude and restraint to avoid playing into the opposition's hands.

“He must exercise a very high level of self-control," Mourinho continued. "And I have told him that if he scores a goal he must be careful about how he celebrates it."

Following late heroics from debutant Carlos Espí to secure the opening three points, Real Madrid will now shift their focus to their next LALIGA fixture against Real Sociedad.