Jose Mourinho wants to help Vinicius Junior manage emotions better at Real Madrid

Jose Mourinho and Vini Jr (Pic: X)

Back as the manager of Real Madrid for his second managerial tenure, a noticeably more composed Jose Mourinho expressed a desire to help star attacker Vinicius Junior find his emotional control.

The Portuguese manager believes the Brazilian winger is frequently subjected to unjust targeting from opponents, though he maintained that the forward can still handle provocation better.

Following a thrilling Spanish league opener against Espanyol on Saturday, where Vinicius Junior was entangled in multiple exchanges with rival supporters and players, Mourinho outlined a distinction between handling stadium crowds and in-game physical fouls.

"There is on the field and off the field. The reaction to fans and insults, obviously, if they are not racist or homophobic insults, but the typical insults by fans, then I think he can control it better. His relationship with the opposing fans, I think he can do better." Mourinho said.

While noting that in-game incidents remain difficult for a coach, Mourinho stressed that improving relations with opposing crowds 'is something that we can work on.'

Mourinho reflects on his own personal growth

Addressing past friction when he previously questioned Vinicius during a Champions League clash while managing Benfica, Mourinho defended his perspective.

"When I was Benfica's coach, I was only interested in Benfica," Mourinho said Tuesday.

The veteran strategist highlighted what he considers a clear imbalance in how officials regulate physical play directed toward Vinícius compared to other players.

"It's gone into a spiral in which the opponents know what they can do and what they can't do," he said. "If the players can provoke and pressure Vini, either physically or with words, if the yellow card is only shown after 10 fouls, if there can be violence, then it's a type of treatment that I don't like."

Reflecting on his return to Real Madrid following his initial 2010-2013 tenure, Mourinho admitted he would likely face rapid send-offs if subjected to similar conditions as his winger. However, he pointed out his own personal evolution.

"I think I'm calmer. And it's not just now; I've been like that over the last few years. I feel calmer, with more control of my emotions." Mourinho said.