Jose Mourinho, the Real Madrid coach, addressed several topics after his team’s 4-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano on Saturday in the fifth round of La Liga. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Mourinho discussed the performances of Arda Guler, Yan Diomande, and Vinicius Junior, as well as his tactical decisions.
Arda Guler’s Impact and Diomande’s Role
Mourinho praised Arda Guler’s contribution, saying, “Arda Guler plays a lot when he is on the pitch. I will say 100% that if Diomande had not started today, the first question would have been: Why isn’t Diomande playing? On the bench, you only see quality. Substitutions will happen from match to match. Arda has a very positive impact on the team’s performance. When he came on, he made a difference in stabilizing the play.”
Regarding Yan Diomande’s situation, the Portuguese coach commented, “I am a bit old to feel pressure because of a player’s situation. You have different lists of players, and sometimes you have to pray that no player gets injured, and at other times you have many solutions. He will improve gradually. He has little time at the top level, and he has a lot to learn tactically. But he has amazing potential.”
He added, “Diomande gives us many options in individual duels, passing, and shooting. He can also play in Vini’s place, and on the right side, just as Arda can play there or in Bellingham’s position. Right now, I want to help him develop.”
Vinicius Junior’s Condition and Late Substitution
Mourinho also spoke about Vinicius Junior, stating, “Vinicius is in better physical condition than ever, but he is just one millimeter away from reaching his top speed. His ability to repeat efforts is enormous. It is a process he is gradually absorbing. Mentally, he is very strong, and he knows Real Madrid better than anyone. He plays with great responsibility, the responsibility of playing for Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team. He is calm. The goals will come.”
When asked about the late substitution that brought on Cucurella instead of Vinicius, Mourinho explained, “It is easy. I want to win, and I want to win by as many goals as possible. When you are leading 3-1, with five minutes left, and you have a very strong full-back in Rayo who can create danger… I felt then that the best thing was to close the door. For me, the time for skills and scoring goals was over. And then we scored the fourth goal, and that was better.”