Real Madrid manager José Mourinho said he expects Brazil winger Vinícius Júnior to return to his best form soon, after a season in which the 22‑year‑old has delivered three assists but scored only once in nine appearances. Mourinho told TNT Sports that the forward “is going to emerge” and that it is merely a matter of time before he regains his usual impact.
The coach’s confidence was sparked by a recent 1‑0 home win over Villarreal, where Vinícius came on as a substitute and appeared to find his rhythm. He scored a goal that was later disallowed after the referee ruled that the striker had pulled a hair from a Villarreal player, resulting in a red card. Mourinho explained that after a 2‑1 loss to Atlético Madrid in which Vinícius started, he decided to change his approach and bring the player on when the game demanded a “player like Vini.” He added that the Bernabéu crowd’s support when the winger warmed up was a “crucial turning point,” helping the player rediscover the joy and confidence he had shown in the past.
Mourinho also addressed speculation about the future of 20‑year‑old Endrick, who has been in demand following a successful loan spell at Lyon. The coach dismissed interest from other clubs, saying that any bid would have to “put up a real fight” and that Endrick is a player he “adore” who is vital to Madrid. Endrick has appeared only four minutes for Real Madrid this season, having missed the first four league games because of a muscular injury sustained after the preseason. Mourinho noted that even after recovery, the right opportunity has not yet presented itself, and that the decision to replace him during the Villarreal match was a natural tactical shift once the team was leading and down to ten men.
The comments come as Real Madrid look to solidify their attacking options for the remainder of the campaign. With both Vinícius and Endrick struggling to find consistent playing time, Mourinho’s remarks suggest a focus on patience and internal development rather than external transfers. The club will likely continue to monitor the players’ progress in training and upcoming fixtures, hoping that the young talents can regain their form and contribute to Madrid’s push for domestic and European success.