Jose Mourinho discusses Vinicius Junior and La Liga tensions ahead of Sevilla match

Following Real Madrid's dramatic 4-3 comeback victory against Roma in the Champions League, manager Jose Mourinho addressed the media on October 17, 2026, ahead of the upcoming La Liga clash against Sevilla scheduled for October 18 at 22:00. Mourinho, who previously refrained from giving statements to avoid potential sanctions, spoke about the ongoing tensions between the club and La Liga president Javier Tebas, though he declined to offer his personal opinion on the matter.

Regarding Vinicius Junior, who received a four-match suspension, Mourinho noted that he had expected a harsher penalty for the player. The Portuguese coach revealed that he would have advised the 26-year-old winger to pursue a transfer to a different league during the summer to escape the hostility he has faced. However, he praised Vinicius for his character and decision to remain loyal to the club, emphasizing that the player continues to work hard despite the challenges.

Mourinho acknowledged that the team is feeling fatigued following their intense European fixture in Rome. Despite the physical exhaustion and the high-profile conflict surrounding league leadership, he maintained that the squad is prepared for the challenge against Sevilla as they seek to remain in the title race before the upcoming Clásico.