José Mourinho insists no Real Madrid player is untouchable ahead of the RB Leipzig clash, warning Vinicius Junior that performances determine selection.
Mourinho sends strong warning to Vinicius Junior as Real Madrid prepare for RB Leipzig Champions League clash
José Mourinho has delivered a firm message about discipline, competition and individual responsibility ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League encounter against RB Leipzig, insisting that no player is guaranteed a place in his starting lineup simply because of their reputation. The Portuguese manager was questioned about whether Vinícius Júnior or Yan Diomande would start on the left side of the attack, but refused to reveal his selection, declaring that the only untouchable institution at the Santiago Bernabéu is Real Madrid itself.
The comments came during Tuesday's pre-match press conference, ahead of Wednesday's third Champions League league-phase fixture, scheduled for 20:00. Madrid approach the encounter in encouraging form, having won their opening 2 European matches and recorded 3 consecutive victories in all competitions. However, Mourinho was determined to prevent those results from creating excessive confidence, warning that his team still have considerable work to do despite their recent progress.
Having been in charge for just 3 months, the experienced coach believes Madrid are still developing the tactical understanding, collective relationships and consistency necessary to compete at the level he expects. While acknowledging the enormous demands associated with managing the Spanish giants, Mourinho insisted that improvement cannot be achieved immediately and that every player must contribute to the development of the team.
The Portuguese manager also offered his assessment of RB Leipzig, praised Romanian referee István Kovács and explained why he is unwilling to discuss Real Madrid as potential Champions League winners at such an early stage of the competition. For Mourinho, the immediate objective is to accumulate enough points to secure qualification for the knockout phase before targeting a place among the leading teams in the league standings.
Only the Real Madrid badge is untouchable, says Mourinho
The most significant moment of Mourinho's press conference arrived when he was asked about the competition between Vinícius Júnior and Yan Diomande for a starting position against Leipzig. Rather than identifying which attacker had the advantage, the Real Madrid manager used the question to explain a fundamental principle governing his approach to team selection.
"The only untouchable thing is the badge. What makes players untouchable isn't the captain's armband, their status or the number of years they've been here. It's their level of performance on the pitch," Mourinho declared.
The statement sent a clear message throughout the Real Madrid dressing room. Regardless of previous achievements, individual recognition or experience at the club, players must continue earning opportunities through their performances. Mourinho does not want the starting lineup to be determined by reputations established during earlier stages of a footballer's career.
At a club with Real Madrid's history, that position carries particular significance. The Spanish giants regularly assemble squads containing established international stars, players with considerable experience of major European matches and younger footballers hoping to establish themselves among the elite.
Managing those different profiles requires balancing individual expectations with the interests of the team. Established players naturally want to remain involved in important fixtures, while emerging talents need opportunities to demonstrate that they can contribute at the highest level.
For Mourinho, the determining factor must remain the quality of a player's contribution rather than their position within the dressing-room hierarchy.
His reference to the club's badge was particularly deliberate. By placing Real Madrid's identity above any individual, the Portuguese coach reinforced the idea that representing such an institution brings responsibilities that extend beyond personal ambition.
The message was not necessarily a direct criticism of Vinícius or an indication that Diomande will start. Mourinho avoided making either commitment. Instead, he established the standards by which both players, and everyone else in the squad, should expect to be evaluated.
Vinicius Junior faces genuine competition from Yan Diomande
The question surrounding Madrid's left wing highlights one of the selection dilemmas facing Mourinho as he continues shaping the team. Vinícius Júnior is an established attacking figure, capable of influencing matches through individual quality, acceleration and creativity. Diomande, meanwhile, provides another option for the same area of the pitch.
That competition gives the Portuguese coach flexibility, but it also requires difficult decisions. A manager cannot select every talented attacker simultaneously without considering the balance of the entire team, especially against opponents capable of exploiting defensive weaknesses.
Vinícius has the technical ability to create opportunities in situations where opponents appear well organised. His willingness to attack defenders and attempt decisive actions can change the direction of a match, even when the team is struggling to establish a consistent attacking rhythm.
However, Mourinho's comments indicate that those qualities alone do not remove the need to meet collective expectations. Attacking players are also required to understand their positioning, coordinate movements with teammates and contribute when possession is lost.
Diomande's availability creates an alternative that Mourinho can consider according to the tactical requirements of each fixture. Some opponents may offer more space for direct attacking runs, while others require greater patience, movement and coordinated combinations to overcome defensive organisation.
The Portuguese coach has made clear that he is prepared to consider different solutions. His refusal to identify a guaranteed starter suggests that the final decision will depend on his assessment of what gives Real Madrid the strongest chance of defeating Leipzig.
Competition for places can also encourage players to maintain their standards. When selection is not automatic, performances in training and matches become particularly important, and individual footballers must continue proving that they deserve opportunities.
The situation will attract attention when the official lineup is announced, but Mourinho has avoided publicly favouring either player. His priority appears to be preserving a competitive environment rather than establishing a permanent hierarchy within the attacking department.
Mourinho acknowledges Real Madrid remain a work in progress
Although Madrid have enjoyed a positive sequence of results, Mourinho warned against assuming that the team have already reached their desired level. The manager reminded reporters that he has only been working with the squad for 3 months, a relatively short period in which to establish a complete tactical identity.
"It's impossible to be where we want to be already. We must always improve collectively. The more we know each other, the more understanding and empathy we develop," Mourinho explained.
His comments offered a revealing assessment of the challenges involved in managing a club where expectations are exceptionally high. Real Madrid are expected to win matches, challenge for major trophies and produce football worthy of their international reputation, but Mourinho believes those ambitions must be supported by a gradual process of improvement.
A manager can introduce tactical principles quickly, but developing the understanding required to execute them consistently takes longer. Players need to become familiar with their teammates' movements, recognise how the team should react in different situations and understand the responsibilities associated with their positions.
Those details are particularly important against strong opposition, when small mistakes in positioning or communication can create dangerous opportunities.
Mourinho also emphasised the importance of personal relationships within the squad. His reference to empathy suggested that he sees collective development as more than a question of formations and tactical instructions.
Players must understand one another, communicate effectively and learn how to respond together when matches become difficult. That understanding can improve through training, but competitive encounters are often where its value becomes most apparent.
"The expectations are extremely high, and I'm perfectly aware of them, but we cannot lose sight of the fact that there's still a lot of work to do in different areas," the Portuguese coach continued.
The manager is therefore attempting to balance 2 objectives: obtaining the results required by Real Madrid while continuing to develop a team that he believes can perform considerably better.
Real Madrid manager insists he is willing to change his tactical ideas
Another important part of Mourinho's press conference concerned his attitude towards tactical flexibility. The Portuguese manager rejected the suggestion that he is committed to a rigid philosophy regardless of the circumstances, explaining that he is constantly prepared to evaluate alternative approaches.
"For example, tactical development is an accumulation of knowledge. I'm not a stubborn coach, one of those who lives or dies by a single idea. That means I'm always open to analysing and understanding things in order to find the best solutions," he said.
The comments provide an insight into the way Mourinho intends to manage Madrid during the coming months. Rather than attempting to impose identical solutions on every opponent, he wants to understand the strengths and limitations of his squad and adapt when necessary.
Modern football presents managers with a wide range of tactical challenges. Some opponents apply aggressive pressure high up the pitch, while others defend compactly and attempt to exploit transitions. Successful teams need to recognise those differences and respond without losing their collective organisation.
Mourinho's approach suggests that he is still assessing how best to use the players available to him. The competition between Vinícius and Diomande can be viewed within that wider process, with the manager seeking the most effective combination for each match.
The Portuguese coach also appears conscious that tactical improvement is not achieved exclusively through theoretical preparation. Training sessions can establish patterns of movement and positional responsibilities, but matches reveal whether those ideas work against opponents attempting to disrupt them.
Every fixture therefore provides additional information about the team's progress.
That does not mean changing the entire approach after every disappointing performance. Instead, Mourinho described a process of continuous analysis in which the coaching staff identify opportunities for improvement and adjust details when necessary.
For a manager who has spent only 3 months at the club, that willingness to adapt could become an important part of establishing the team's identity.
Three consecutive victories have improved confidence at the Bernabeu
Real Madrid enter the Leipzig encounter having won their previous 3 matches across all competitions, a sequence that has strengthened confidence and provided evidence of progress under Mourinho.
The Portuguese coach was particularly encouraged by the quality of the team's most recent performance, although he did not suggest that the winning run meant Madrid could reduce their intensity or preparation.
"We've won three matches in a short period, and in the last one we played very well. We have to keep going," he explained.
Winning consecutive matches is valuable during the early stages of a managerial appointment. Positive results reinforce confidence in the coaching staff's methods and provide an encouraging environment for players to develop their understanding of new instructions.
However, the manager recognises that victories do not automatically eliminate weaknesses. A team can secure important results while still requiring improvements in defensive organisation, attacking combinations or the management of difficult periods during matches.
That distinction appears central to Mourinho's current thinking.
He wants Real Madrid to appreciate the progress they have made without becoming satisfied with their present level. Recent victories should provide encouragement to continue working rather than create the impression that the development process is complete.
The challenge is especially important in a competition such as the Champions League, where opponents possess the technical quality to exploit weaknesses that may not always prove decisive in other matches.
Against Leipzig, Mourinho will expect another committed performance, regardless of the confidence generated by the previous results.
RB Leipzig have already shown their Champions League quality
Mourinho was equally careful to acknowledge the danger presented by RB Leipzig. The German club arrive in Madrid with 3 points from their opening 2 Champions League matches, having already recorded a victory over PSV.
The Real Madrid manager highlighted that achievement when discussing Wednesday's opposition, making clear that Leipzig's reputation should not be underestimated.
"Leipzig are the team that beat PSV. They have three points and want to qualify," Mourinho stated.
The reference to Leipzig's victory underlined the importance of evaluating opponents according to what they have demonstrated on the pitch rather than relying exclusively on the history or international reputation of their clubs.
Leipzig have already shown that they can collect points in the competition, and their position gives them every reason to approach the encounter with ambition.
For the visitors, a positive result against Real Madrid would represent an important step towards improving their league-phase standing. The Germans will therefore be motivated to challenge Mourinho's team rather than simply accept the status of outsiders at the Bernabéu.
Real Madrid must prepare for a contest in which the opposition are determined to compete for possession, create opportunities and frustrate the home side when possible.
Although the precise tactical approach Leipzig will adopt remains uncertain, Mourinho's remarks suggest that he expects a demanding encounter against a team with its own qualification objectives.
The manager also warned that the recent victories achieved by Madrid provide no automatic advantage once Wednesday's match begins.
"Winning three matches doesn't mean you'll automatically win the fourth," he stressed.
That statement captured his broader message about maintaining concentration. Results from previous fixtures can build confidence, but every new match requires the team to demonstrate its quality again.
Real Madrid target third consecutive Champions League victory
Madrid's opening 2 Champions League victories have given the club a strong foundation in the league phase. With 6 points already collected, Mourinho's team have an opportunity to strengthen their position further by defeating Leipzig.
A third consecutive European win would take Real Madrid to 9 points and represent another significant step towards their immediate qualification objectives.
However, Mourinho has made clear that the competition's format requires careful planning. Each result contributes towards the overall standings, and the difference between finishing among the leading teams and qualifying through a more difficult route can become important later in the season.
The Champions League league phase rewards teams that collect points consistently across their fixtures. Those finishing in the top 8 advance directly to the round of 16, while clubs placed from ninth to 24th must contest an additional knockout play-off round.
For Real Madrid, avoiding those extra fixtures would be valuable. The club must already manage the demands of domestic competition, and reducing the number of European matches could create additional opportunities for recovery and preparation.
Nevertheless, Mourinho does not want the squad to become distracted by calculations about the final standings while important matches remain to be played.
His preference is to concentrate on the immediate challenge, collect as many points as possible and evaluate the team's position as the league phase progresses.
Wednesday's encounter therefore represents more than an opportunity to extend the winning sequence. It is another important step towards securing the strongest possible position in the competition.
Mourinho praises Istvan Kovacs ahead of Champions League fixture
The Portuguese coach also addressed the appointment of Romanian referee István Kovács, who will officiate the meeting between Real Madrid and Leipzig.
Asked whether his players would encourage the referee to consult VAR in situations involving controversial decisions, Mourinho expressed confidence in the official's personality and ability to control the match.
"Tomorrow's referee isn't here to mess around. Given his personality, I think VAR will have less importance. I'm happy with Kovács," the Madrid manager explained.
The comment reflected Mourinho's belief that Kovács possesses the authority required to manage an important European encounter without allowing repeated disputes to dominate proceedings.
Refereeing decisions can become particularly significant in Champions League matches, especially when teams are closely matched and individual incidents have the potential to change the direction of a contest.
VAR provides assistance in specific situations, but the match referee remains responsible for managing the game, applying the laws and maintaining authority on the pitch.
Mourinho's comments suggested that he expects Kovács to demonstrate confidence in those responsibilities.
His positive assessment was notable because managers often approach questions about match officials cautiously, particularly before fixtures carrying significant competitive importance.
In this case, Mourinho did not express concern about the appointment or anticipate controversy. Instead, he indicated that he was pleased with the referee selected for Wednesday's match.
There is no suggestion from his remarks that VAR will not be used when required. His argument concerned the official's personality and his expectation that Kovács will manage proceedings with sufficient authority.
Why Mourinho refuses to call Real Madrid Champions League favourites
Despite Madrid's perfect start in Europe, Mourinho rejected the suggestion that his team should already be considered among the favourites to win the Champions League.
The Portuguese coach believes it is premature to discuss the final stages of the competition when his team have played only 2 league-phase matches and are still developing collectively.
"No, it's too early. Real Madrid's objective right now isn't to win the Champions League. It's to qualify for the knockout stage," he declared.
The statement may appear surprising given Real Madrid's historical relationship with Europe's leading club competition, but Mourinho was explaining the order in which he wants to approach the campaign rather than dismissing the club's ultimate ambitions.
For the manager, the first responsibility is to ensure progression beyond the league phase. Only after that objective has been achieved does he want the team to concentrate on the advantages associated with finishing higher in the standings.
The approach is consistent with his wider assessment of the squad's development. Mourinho understands that Real Madrid are expected to compete for major trophies, but he does not believe public declarations of favouritism will help a team that still has considerable room for improvement.
He also recognises that the Champions League contains several other clubs capable of producing outstanding performances. Early victories offer encouragement but do not establish which team will eventually emerge as champions.
Rather than allowing the discussion to become dominated by predictions about the final, Mourinho wants his players to remain focused on what they can influence immediately.
That means preparing properly for Leipzig, maintaining competitive standards and collecting the points required to progress.
Avoiding the knockout play-offs is an important target
Mourinho explained that Real Madrid's ambitions should develop in stages as the league phase progresses.
The initial target is qualification for the knockout rounds. Once that has been achieved, the next priority will be securing a position that allows Madrid to advance directly to the round of 16 without competing in the additional play-offs.
"Once we've secured enough points, we'll look at our second objective, which is avoiding the play-offs. That's something we can achieve," Mourinho explained.
Finishing in the top 8 would allow Real Madrid to bypass the knockout play-off round, providing a practical advantage during a demanding season.
Additional European matches can increase physical workloads and create greater pressure on squad rotation, particularly when domestic fixtures continue arriving at regular intervals.
For a team still adapting to a new manager's methods, the opportunity to avoid those extra games could prove valuable.
However, Mourinho warned that the number of points required for a favourable position could be substantial.
"It will take a lot of points to avoid the play-offs. We have to take things step by step. First, we need to make sure we're among the top 11 or 12 teams, and then we'll give everything we've got to win," he concluded.
The manager's reference to the top 11 or 12 reflects his desire to establish Madrid securely among the leading teams before pursuing a higher finish. Under the competition's format, however, only the top 8 qualify directly for the round of 16, making further progress essential if Madrid want to avoid the play-offs.
His broader point was that qualification should be built through a series of achievable objectives rather than assuming success before the necessary points have been collected.
Team selection could reveal Mourinho's tactical priorities
Beyond the immediate result, Wednesday's lineup may offer important clues about how Mourinho intends to develop Real Madrid over the coming months.
The decision between Vinícius and Diomande will naturally attract attention, but it represents only one part of a wider tactical assessment.
The Portuguese coach must consider the balance of the entire team, including how attacking movements interact with midfield positioning and defensive responsibilities.
A selection that increases attacking creativity may create different requirements for the players providing defensive cover. Similarly, a more balanced structure might influence how frequently the team can commit players forward.
Those decisions are particularly important in the Champions League, where opponents can punish mistakes through quick transitions or individual moments of quality.
Mourinho's insistence that no player is untouchable gives him greater freedom to make those choices without suggesting that established reputations should override tactical requirements.
It also reinforces the idea that his project is still evolving. Three months into his appointment, the manager continues gathering information about how players respond to different situations and which combinations produce the strongest collective performances.
That process may involve difficult decisions for established members of the squad, but Mourinho believes maintaining competitive standards is essential to the team's progress.
The Real Madrid coach has made clear that he does not intend to allow individual status to determine the future of the project.
Real Madrid must balance immediate results with long-term development
One of Mourinho's greatest challenges is managing the tension between Real Madrid's immediate expectations and the time required to develop a coherent team.
At most clubs, a new manager may receive a period in which performances are evaluated partly according to the progress of the project. At Madrid, results carry enormous significance from the beginning, particularly in competitions where the club has historically been expected to challenge for major honours.
Mourinho understands those expectations, but his comments indicate that he does not believe they should prevent realistic assessments of the team's development.
The opening months have brought encouraging results, including consecutive Champions League victories, but he remains focused on improving the collective understanding that will be required during more demanding stages of the season.
That includes developing stronger relationships between teammates, refining tactical organisation and identifying the most effective use of the squad's individual qualities.
It also involves creating an environment in which players accept competition for places and recognise that no position is permanently guaranteed.
For Mourinho, the combination of demanding standards and tactical flexibility appears central to the project.
He wants the team to win immediately, but he also wants those victories to contribute towards the development of a side capable of producing consistently strong performances.
The Leipzig fixture represents another opportunity to assess that progress against serious European opposition.
Mourinho demands another statement performance against Leipzig
Real Madrid will enter Wednesday's match with confidence after their recent victories, but Mourinho has ensured that the final message before facing Leipzig is one of caution and responsibility.
The German visitors have already defeated PSV and possess clear ambitions of reaching the knockout phase. They will arrive in Madrid knowing that a positive result could strengthen their position in the competition.
For the hosts, another victory would maintain their perfect Champions League record and provide a significant boost towards the qualification targets established by their manager.
However, Mourinho wants the performance to reflect more than a favourable result. His comments suggest that he will be evaluating the team's collective organisation, its response to tactical challenges and the ability of individual players to contribute within the structure.
The manager's refusal to confirm whether Vinícius or Diomande will start illustrates that emphasis. Selection remains dependent on the qualities he believes will be most valuable against the opposition.
At the same time, his praise for referee István Kovács indicates that Mourinho expects the game to be managed firmly, allowing both teams to concentrate on the football rather than prolonged disputes over decisions.
The encounter therefore represents another important stage in Madrid's development under the Portuguese coach.
Three consecutive victories have created momentum, but Mourinho believes there is still considerable work ahead before the team reaches its desired level.
Real Madrid badge comes before individual stars, insists Mourinho
José Mourinho's message ahead of the Champions League meeting with RB Leipzig was direct: Real Madrid must remain more important than any individual player, and recent victories cannot become an excuse for complacency.
His declaration that the club's badge is the only untouchable institution provided the central theme of a press conference that also addressed tactical development, team selection, refereeing and the club's European ambitions.
With Vinícius Júnior and Yan Diomande competing for a place on the left side of the attack, the Portuguese manager refused to reveal his choice, emphasising instead that performances must determine who deserves to play.
The comments reinforced his determination to create a competitive squad in which established reputations do not automatically outweigh current form or the tactical requirements of an individual match.
Mourinho also acknowledged that Real Madrid remain far from the finished product. Having worked with the team for only 3 months, he believes that developing greater tactical understanding and stronger relationships between players will require additional time.
Despite three consecutive victories in all competitions and a perfect start to the Champions League, the Portuguese coach warned against assuming that another win will arrive automatically.
RB Leipzig have already defeated PSV and remain determined to qualify for the knockout rounds, making Wednesday's fixture another demanding examination of Madrid's progress.
Mourinho also expressed satisfaction with the appointment of István Kovács, praising the Romanian referee's personality and suggesting that his authority could help the match proceed without excessive reliance on VAR.
On the subject of Champions League ambitions, the manager remained equally cautious. He refused to declare Madrid favourites for the trophy, explaining that the immediate priority is to secure qualification before attempting to finish high enough to avoid the knockout play-offs.
That measured approach reflects his wider philosophy during the early stages of the project. Real Madrid must continue collecting victories while developing the collective quality required to challenge the strongest teams in European football.
The club's recent results provide encouragement, but Mourinho wants his players to understand that the standards demanded at the Santiago Bernabéu extend beyond individual reputation and temporary success.
Wednesday's encounter with Leipzig will offer another opportunity to demonstrate that progress. The Portuguese coach has made clear that every player must earn their place, every opponent deserves respect and every victory must be achieved through performance rather than expectation.
For Mourinho, the message is simple: the Real Madrid badge comes first, and everyone representing the club must prove they deserve to wear it.
