Mourinho: “Vinicius has entered a downward spiral.”

José Mourinho spoke to the media ahead of Real Madrid’s home clash with Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday at 9:00 p.m.

On facing Real Sociedad: “It’s our first home game, but it’s one of 19. Every point matters. Our objective is to win while respecting a team that deserves respect. They have a clear identity and great players. They will make things difficult for us. Against Espanyol, we felt how strongly their supporters backed their team. Tomorrow, we hope to feel the same support from our fans. I want the team to show the same hunger, attitude, resilience, strength and composure.”

On the players’ fitness: “Espanyol showed an intensity level that we don’t have yet. We have a core group of players who have worked together for longer, but playing matches accelerates the process of reaching normal fitness. Players need minutes, Cucurella for example. We use objective and scientific data, but we also combine that with my experience and feeling.”

On returning to the Bernabéu: “I don’t want the Bernabéu to welcome me in any special way. I want them to welcome the team with all their passion. Last season, that relationship went through a difficult period. I’m not important. I can control my emotions. I want the team to feel something different from what they experienced last season.”

On Vinicius and refereeing: “The difference in treatment between Vini and other players is obvious. He has entered a spiral where opponents feel they can get away with certain things. It’s like children: they go as far as the limits you allow them to. He received a kick that, for me, was an aggression and deserved a red card. I understand the referee didn’t see it, but the VAR didn’t do its job properly. Even so, I trust Spanish referees. I don’t think things like, ‘he’s Negreira’s friend.’ Referees make decisions that influence results, but that happens.”

Regarding Vinicius’ own reactions, Mourinho added: “Unless the reaction is related to racist or homophobic abuse, I think he can control and improve it. His relationship with opposition stadiums is something we can work on.”

On being calmer: “It’s not new. I feel calmer and I control my emotions better. Difficult situations will come. Maybe the players and people working here are protecting me from my dark side,” he joked.

On the transfer market: “For me, the squad is complete, although the window remains open. You never know if a player will come and say he wants to leave. In my mind, the squad is finished and I have no requests. I’m happy.”

🗣️ José Mourinho: "Si me dan una patada como pasó con Vinícius, a lo mejor ROJA PARA MÍ un minuto después."

JAJAJAJAJAJAJA 🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/283lwHfqr1

— (fan) REAL MADRID FANS 🤍 (@AdriRM33) August 25, 2026

On Bellingham, Vinicius and Mbappé: “I want all three. The positive aspects always outweigh the difficulties. My job is to help make it work.”

On Valverde: “For me, he’s a midfielder. Depending on the opponent and our objectives, he can play a more positional role or have more freedom.”

On Carlos Espí alongside Mbappé: “They can play together. Espí gives us a different profile. Against Espanyol, Kylian was dropping deeper because they defended very compactly, and I felt Carlos could be important.”

On Tchouaméni: “He suffered a lot physically during the World Cup. His holiday period wasn’t enough. He wanted to try, but we decided he couldn’t start the season while playing through pain.”

On Endrick: “It’s a muscular problem involving the tendon. I like him a lot and many clubs contacted us. I wanted to keep him, which is why he wasn’t loaned or sold. I’m not sure whether he’ll be available for Ancelotti’s first squad, but Carlo is a friend and he’ll call me directly.”