Madrid press demands radical measures against Vinicius Junior
Real Madrid supporters see their patience being severely tested: Vinicius Junior, judged transparent and ghostly during the derby against Atlético Madrid (2-1) and then taken off at halftime of Brazil's draw against Australia (1-1), is going through a deep crisis.
Growing pressure from the Madrid press
The press of the Spanish capital is quick to demand drastic decisions. In a virulent column in the daily AS, editorialist Jesus Gallego describes the performance of the Brazilian number seven as “insipid, harmless and uninterested in defensive work.” He also points out Vinicius’s collective attitude, which allegedly neglected to track back when the ball was lost.
« Mbappé and Vinicius were insipid, ghostly and harmless against the opposing defence. But above all, they again completely disregarded their defensive duties, forgetting to track back when they lost a ball or did not receive the expected pass »,
Call for Vinicius to be reassessed
While Portuguese manager José Mourinho continues to protect the young winger, Gallego urges him to end the preferential treatment and to favour the 19‑year‑old Yan Diomande. The latter, who came on for Vinicius in the final half‑hour at the Metropolitano, immediately provided a dynamic alternative.
Poli Rincon urges Mourinho’s exit as Vinicius sparks fan fury
Diomande struck relentlessly and surged forward without any hesitation despite the vigilance of several opponents. At 19, he has everything to prove and he clearly wants to do so without wasting time.
According to Gallego, the young Ivorian does not see himself as the best player in the world and will follow any instruction from Mourinho without complaint.
The editorialist concludes by urging Mourinho to seize this opportunity to cement his authority over the dressing room, reminding that the white club is already six points behind Barça in the league. The message is clear: star status is no longer enough to mask a failing performance.
Panic in Madrid when Mbappé stops, the diagnosis reassures the club
The contrast between the press’s virulent criticism and Mourinho’s defence shows that Vinicius Junior’s prestige no longer guarantees his place. The manager’s upcoming tactical choices will determine whether Real Madrid meets Madrid’s demands.