Mourinho’s remarks come at a time when Vinicius has struggled to maintain his best form this season and is serving a four-match suspension in La Liga following an incident involving hair-pulling. However, the Brazilian remains available for Madrid’s European fixture, with the Portuguese tactician confirming that he will feature on the left wing against the German side.
The competition for places has intensified following the impressive performances of Ivorian winger Yan Diomande, Real Madrid’s record €140 million ($157 million) signing, who has made a strong impression in recent weeks. Diomande scored against Sevilla on Sunday in Vinicius’s absence, further strengthening his case for a regular starting role.
Asked whether Vinicius’s position was under threat because of Diomande’s recent form, Mourinho made it clear that no individual enjoys special privileges at the Spanish giants.
“Only the club badge is untouchable,” Mourinho told reporters.
“I don’t like the concept of untouchable players.
“What makes a player untouchable is not his status, the armband, his years at the club, how much was paid for him, what makes him untouchable is his performance on the pitch.”
The former Chelsea and Manchester United manager confirmed that Vinicius would start on the left flank against Leipzig but declined to reveal whether Diomande would also be included in the starting line-up.
Madrid will approach the encounter seeking to maintain their perfect start in the Champions League league phase, having won their opening two matches. Another victory would strengthen their position as they pursue a third consecutive win in the competition.
However, their domestic campaign presents a more challenging picture. Real Madrid currently sit third in La Liga, six points behind leaders Barcelona, whom they are scheduled to visit on Sunday. The approaching El Clasico adds further importance to a demanding period for Mourinho and his players.
Despite the club’s ambitions and the quality within his squad, Mourinho acknowledged that the team remains some distance from reaching the standard he ultimately expects.
“A long way off… we’ve been here three or four months, it’s impossible to be where we want to be,” the veteran Portuguese coach said.
He stressed that continued improvement would be essential, both for individual players and the team as a collective unit, while recognising the exceptional expectations associated with managing Real Madrid.
“We always have to improve, be it individually or collectively… I understand the demands (at this club) are the maximum,” Mourinho added.
Drawing on his previous spell at the Santiago Bernabeu between 2010 and 2013, the coach said he understood the pressures surrounding the club and remained determined to follow his long-term vision despite the work still required.
“I’ve been here three years (2010-2013), and so I know perfectly well how things are. I can’t lose my direction… (even though) I know there is a lot of work to do.”
Meanwhile, French defender Ibrahima Konate praised Mourinho’s managerial presence, describing him as a figure whose authority commands attention and respect in the dressing room.
“He’s a great manager, I think he has this aura that not many managers have, because he doesn’t need to speak and everyone will listen and respect him,” Konate told reporters.
As Madrid prepare for their European assignment, Mourinho’s message is clear: established reputations will count for little unless they are backed by consistent performances. With Vinicius under pressure to rediscover his best form and Diomande pushing for greater involvement, the battle for starting places could become a defining feature of Madrid’s campaign.