Mourinho Defends Vinicius: 'We Are Still in the Era of Bullying'
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho voiced full support for Brazilian star Vinicius Junior, condemning the persistent bullying he faces on the pitch.
Unwavering Support
The Portuguese coach revealed he spoke with his star player during halftime of the Espanyol match, emphasizing emotional control. Mourinho noted that Vinicius faces deliberate, aggressive tackles from the first whistle, requiring extreme caution.
Mourinho advised Vinicius to be mindful of his goal celebrations to avoid dismissal, calling the situation frustrating. He stated: 'Vinicius is not a saint, but what is done to him is excessive, starting from the first minute'.
A History of Abuse
Vinicius Junior has faced widespread racist abuse, garnering global solidarity. The Real Madrid boss highlights the contradiction between modern anti-bullying rhetoric and the reality for black players.
Mourinho insists the club trains the player to handle such pressure intelligently. Institutional and fan support remains crucial for backing the Brazilian star against these ongoing challenges.
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