Coach José Mourinho, currently in charge of Real Madrid, discussed his relationship with Vini Jr. and recalled the racist incident involving player Prestianni.
The relationship between José Mourinho and Vinicius Junior at Real Madrid has taken on new dimensions after the coach commented on a sensitive past incident. In an interview with the Spanish program El Chiringuito, the coach recalled the controversy that occurred in a Champions League match between the Merengues club and Benfica, when he was managing the Portuguese team.
The incident involved Argentine forward Prestianni, who allegedly made racist insults against the Brazilian. At the time, Mourinho‘s behavior, who defended his player, raised questions, but now the Portuguese assures that the dynamic has completely changed with daily interaction at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Stance Alongside Vini Jr.
The coach was emphatic in explaining that, at that time, his priority was to defend a player from his squad, but stressed that today the reality is different. Mourinho reinforced his commitment to the Brazilian star, highlighting recent episodes where he defended the athlete in controversial refereeing decisions.
Prestianni was my player, period, no discussion. If Prestianni is my player… let 20 other players come, I’m with Prestianni, there’s no story. I think Vini now knows, he knows which side I’m on and knows he can look at me and count on me to be by his side. The other day, when they didn’t call a big penalty at the Bernabéu, I was already in the center of the field there fighting for him, he knows I’ll be with him.
Defense Against Refereeing Treatment
In addition to addressing racism, Mourinho criticized how football deals with Vini Jr. within the four lines. The coach argues that the Brazilian suffers from disproportionate rigor from referees and opponents, asserting that the Real Madrid forward’s talent must be respected.
The coach argues that protection for the player should not be based on subjective criteria of likability, but rather on sporting fairness. For him, the number 7 should be treated as an elite athlete, without privileges, but with the justice that sport demands.
The case of Prestianni, who was suspended by UEFA and had the punishment extended by FIFA, served as an important milestone in European football. The repercussions of the case contributed to the strengthening of the so-called Vini Jr. Law, which punishes players who cover their mouths to speak to opponents on the field, an attempt to curb insults during arguments.
Mourinho‘s stance, now as an ally, signals a fundamental change of course for the Madrid squad this season.
Equipe M360
