José Mourinho considers that the Real Madrid squad is closed for the new season, although he does not rule out moves before the transfer market closes. The Portuguese coach also once again demanded greater arbitration protection for Vinicius Jr., considering that the Brazilian receives different treatment from other players.
In the press conference prior to the postponed match of the first day of LaLiga against Real Sociedad, Mourinho was clear about his team’s situation.
“For me, it is closed, but the market is still open.”
The Real Madrid coach assured that, for now, he does not have any requests from the board and was satisfied with the group he has at his disposal.
“In my head, the squad is closed, I don’t have any requests, I am very happy with the players I have.”
Mourinho also highlighted the involvement of his players after the league debut with a 2-1 victory against Espanyol.
Mourinho rules out Endrick’s departure
One of the names that also appeared during the appearance was Endrick. Mourinho ruled out a possible departure for the young Brazilian forward, despite acknowledging that he received interest from other clubs.
“I have neither wanted to give up nor sell, I like this young player who has important talent.”
The coach explained that Endrick is out due to tendinitis, although he wanted to downplay the importance of the injury and pointed out that his absence is mainly a matter of precaution.
“It’s more for prevention than for having a big problem.”
Mourinho asks for more protection for Vinicius
The other big issue of the press conference was Vinicius, about whom Mourinho once again demanded greater intervention from the referees due to the numerous fouls he receives during the games.
“The difference in general between Vini and other players is obvious.”
The Portuguese coach believes that the rivals have entered a dynamic in which they seek to stop the Brazilian attacker through fouls and physical actions.
“A dynamic has been entered, a spiral has been entered in which the opponents feel that they can dislodge him with fouls and when an opponent feels that he can, he does it.”
Mourinho also differentiated between the insults that Vinicius can receive from the stands and the actions that occur on the field of play. The coach understands that the footballer must manage certain provocations from the fans, but considers that fouls are the responsibility of the referees.
“In the game… kicks, fouls, penalties, all this accumulation of frustration. I think it’s the judge’s responsibility.”
The Portuguese even explained why he preferred to use the term “judge” instead of “referee” to refer to the figure in charge of dispensing justice during matches.
“The judge is the one who has to protect the players and has to protect the game.”
With the squad that he considers practically defined, Mourinho faces the start of the Real Madrid project with the intention of maintaining the positive dynamic after the victory against Espanyol and preparing for the next league match against Real Sociedad.
