Sports

Mourinho Defends Vinicius and Admits Midfield Struggles in Real Madrid's Win Over Inter

By Loai Mohamed

Jose Mourinho conceded that his Real Madrid side had shortcomings in midfield during their 2-1 Champions League victory over Inter Milan, while also defending Vinicius Junior, who was booed by supporters at the final whistle. The match, played on Tuesday evening at the Santiago Bernabeu, marked the opening of both clubs' league-phase campaigns in this season's competition. Real Madrid were not at their best but managed to overcome their Italian opponents. Before the game, Mourinho had said he would rather have an unconvincing win than a good performance ending in a loss, and he repeated that sentiment afterward, describing the encounter as an unpredictable, high-intensity contest. Speaking to Movistar in comments reported by the Spanish outlet Sport, the Portuguese coach said, 'I prefer to say it was a crazy match. We are often criticized when games are boring, but today it was crazy, and it could have finished 7-6 without any problem.' Despite securing the win, Mourinho acknowledged issues within his team, particularly in midfield. 'Our midfield was weak, they made changes very early, and I didn't have many options in midfield,' he said. 'When I saw the players were struggling, I made changes, and I think they responded well.' He added that the match was far from dull, noting that Real Madrid nearly scored a third goal in the closing minute of the first half. Mourinho also praised his players' work despite the nature of the goals scored. 'I agree that the goals came from the opponent's mistakes, but I want to give credit to my players because we train hard on pressing,' he said. 'Valverde's goal was the result of that work, so it shouldn't all be criticism.' Thibaut Courtois delivered a standout performance in goal, but Mourinho was careful not to attribute the win solely to the goalkeeper's heroics. 'It's one thing to not be in control of the match, but it's another for the opponent to be in control — and they weren't either,' he said. 'Courtois made many saves, but how many chances did we waste on the counterattack? It was a fantastic match.' Mourinho concluded by offering support to Vinicius Junior, who has yet to reach his best form this season but continues to give his all on the pitch. 'He has worked a lot, very much so,' Mourinho said. 'I know it, everyone knows it, and he knows it too. He hasn't reached his full level yet, and he's not the Vinicius we know, but he works hard, and anyone who works and gives everything deserves respect.'