Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. has expressed his satisfaction with the club's newly appointed head coach, José Mourinho, saying the Portuguese manager wants him to continue playing with confidence and remain true to himself.

Speaking to the club’s media after his second training session under the new coach, the Brazilian star indicated that José Mourinho ViniJnr indicated that “It has gone very well, getting to ⁠know the new coach and the new players, and training very ​hard.

Mourinho wants me to be as I ​have always been: happy, cheerful and playing my football.”

Vinicius stressed the team's need to prepare well ahead of the season to avoid injuries.

“We ​have to prepare physically so that during the season ​we ⁠have fewer injuries and can count on everyone”, Vinicius said.

His comments come on the back of links to Vini’s links to Arsenal due to an altercation between himself and  José Mourinho during Real Madrid’s 1–0 win over Benfica in Lisbon on February 17.

Vinícius alleged racist abuse from Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni, and Mourinho’s post‑match comments, suggesting Vinícius “is always surrounded by controversy” while questioning his celebrations.

Many slammed Mourinho for his comments, citing that dismisses the racism claims by Vini.

Vini, in response, described Mourinho’s comments as repulsive.

Vinicius recently rejoined the squad after representing Brazil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he scored four goals before the five-time champions were eliminated by Norway in the Round of 16.

Mourinho's first and second spells

Mourinho returned to Real Madrid for a second spell this summer following the club’s trophyless 2025-26 campaign.

José Mourinho’s first spell at Real Madrid ran from May 2010 to June 2013, a period marked by both success and controversy. He arrived fresh from winning the Champions League with Inter Milan and was tasked with restoring Madrid’s dominance in Spain and Europe.

In his first season (2010/11), Mourinho delivered immediate silverware by winning the Copa del Rey, defeating Barcelona 1–0 in the final thanks to a Cristiano Ronaldo header. This was Madrid’s first major trophy in three years and signalled the start of a fierce rivalry with Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona.

The 2011/12 season was his peak at Madrid. He guided the team to the La Liga title, finishing nine points ahead of Barcelona. That campaign set records: 100 points, 121 goals, and 32 wins, the most in a single La Liga season at the time. It was a statement of dominance and tactical efficiency.

In the 2012/13 season, Mourinho added the Supercopa de España to his tally, again overcoming Barcelona. However, his side fell short in Europe, suffering three consecutive Champions League semi-final exits. Internally, tensions grew; clashes with senior players like Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos, as well as disputes with club officials, created a turbulent atmosphere.

By June 2013, Mourinho’s relationship with the squad and management had deteriorated, leading to his departure. Despite the drama, his first spell is remembered for breaking Barcelona’s dominance, delivering a record-breaking league title, and instilling a competitive edge that reshaped Madrid’s mentality.