Mourinho discusses Real Madrid choices against Roma and Vinicius ban
Quick summary
Jose Mourinho has opened up about his tactical decisions during Real Madrid's matches against Roma and commented on the controversial ban handed to Vinicius Junior.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceJose Mourinho explains some of his Real Madrid choices against old club Roma, and hits out over the timing of the four-match Vinicius Junior ban.
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Feyenoord vs. Como on the Liveblog.
This has so far been a reunion tour for Mourinho, who already hosted Inter in the opening 2-1 victory , and now visits the club where he became a hero by winning the Conference League trophy.
He was fired in January 2024 and now returns as an opponent back on the bench of Real Madrid.
Mourinho outlines Real Madrid choices MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 08: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Real Madrid looks on before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 08, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) “My intention is to avoid them pressing us too high, as they press man on man like nobody else, so we’ll see if we manage to take advantage of this situation,” Mourinho told Movistar+ in Spain.
“Otherwise, they’ll have to drop 5-10 metres back.”
Former Roma defender Dean Huijsen is benched in favour of another ex-Giallorossi man in Antonio Rudiger.
“Rudiger and Konate played very well together in the last game, they showed great leadership skills and resistance in a difficult situation, when we were down to 10 men for 30 minutes.
“That doesn’t mean Dean doesn’t have the quality to play a game like this, but it’s a special atmosphere for Roma and a tough one for us. I think Antonio’s experience can be valuable.”
KLAGENFURT, AUSTRIA – AUGUST 01: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Real Madrid, speaks with Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid during the pre-season friendly match between Real Madrid and Fiorentina at Woerthersee Stadion on August 01, 2026 in Klagenfurt, Austria. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images) Real Madrid received some bad news just over an hour before kick-off, as Vinicius Junior has been given a four-match LaLiga ban over the hair-pulling incident in the 1-0 win over Villarreal.
That means the Brazilian will be suspended for El Clasico against Barcelona, but the club has already confirmed the intention to appeal.
MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 08: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Real Madrid interacts with Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid as he is brought off during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 08, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) “Why did they announce this and make it public less than two hours before a very important match for a Spanish team?” asked Mourinho with his usual hint of sarcasm.
“You should ask the disciplinary committee why they didn’t do it this morning, or tomorrow morning. It is inevitably going to affect the player.”
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What happened
Roma coach Jose Mourinho reflected on his previous tenure at Real Madrid, specifically addressing choices he made in matches against Roma during the Champions League. The Portuguese manager also weighed in on the disciplinary action taken against Vinicius Junior, which has been widely debated. Mourinho's comments come at a time when his Roma side continues to navigate a demanding season domestically and in European competition. His remarks add another voice to the ongoing discussion around officiating and disciplinary consistency in top-level football.
Chance analysis
Mourinho revisiting his Real Madrid-era decisions against Roma offers a glimpse into the tactical thinking of one of football's most scrutinized coaches, while his commentary on Vinicius Junior's ban adds weight to an already heated conversation about how football's disciplinary system treats high-profile players. For Roma supporters, the subtext is clear: their current manager is still mentally engaged with the elite European stage, and his candidness continues to shape his public image as a voice that transcends any single club.
No direct impact on team availability or tactics; primarily a media narrative moment centered on Mourinho's reflections and views on disciplinary actions.