Jose Mourinho has sent a clear message to the Real Madrid dressing room on the eve of the Champions League clash with Leipzig. The Portuguese coach stressed that no one has a guaranteed place in the starting line-up, while also speaking about the situation of Vinicius Junior and the competition with young talent Yan Diomande.
At the press conference ahead of the European tie, the Madrid coach was asked about the difficult moment being experienced by the Brazilian forward, who will miss the next three La Liga matches due to suspension. Meanwhile, Diomande’s performances have increased the competition for a place in the attacking line.
Mourinho was blunt in his response, stressing that at Real Madrid only what a player delivers on the pitch matters.
“For me, no player is untouchable. The only untouchable thing is the club crest. Status doesn’t matter, nor does the captain’s armband or the amount paid to transfer a player. What makes a player untouchable is his performance on the pitch,” the Portuguese declared.
Nevertheless, the coach confirmed that Vinicius will start the clash against Leipzig, without revealing whether the Brazilian will take Diomande’s place, who will face his former club.
“Vinicius is a left winger. I can use him in other positions in certain situations, but his natural position is that one. As for Diomande, he doesn’t need to know in advance whether he will play or not,” Mourinho said.
The Special One also acknowledged that his team still has a lot to improve to reach the level he demands, stressing that he is not a coach who refuses to change his ideas.