Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has warned Vinicius Junior that no player is guaranteed a place in his starting XI ahead of Wednesdays Champions League clash with RB Leipzig. The Brazilian has endured a difficult start to the season, scoring just once in all competitions, and faces increasing competition for his place from summer signing Yan Diomande.Vinicius is currently serving a four-match suspension in LaLiga but remains available in Europe, where he struggled during last weeks dramatic 4-3 win over Roma.He was substituted after 58 minutes, with replacement Endrick helping inspire Madrids comeback.Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Mourinho made clear that reputation and previous achievements would not guarantee anyone a place in his team.Only the badge is untouchable, Mourinho said.I dont like the concept of untouchable players. What makes players untouchable isnt a captains armband, or how long theyve been at the club, or their status. What makes a player untouchable is performance.Mourinho has always supported Vinicius despite his struggles, but recent performances from other attacking players have given the Portuguese manager additional options.As I said recently, Im not a stubborn coach, he explained.There are coaches who have an idea, and live or die by that idea. Im not that kind of coach, Im always open to analyse, to understand things and look for the best for the team.Mourinho plays down Real Madrids Champions League ambitionsMadrid have won their opening two Champions League matches against Inter Milan and Roma, but Mourinho refused to describe his side as contenders for the trophy.Its very early, he said.Right now Real Madrid dont have the objective of winning the Champions League. We have the objective of qualifying [for the knockout phase].Then, if we get the points that allow us to qualify, then we get to our second objective, to try to avoid the playoffs, which are two games with tension, and theyre games you can avoid.Madrid also face a big challenge in LaLiga, sitting six points behind Barcelona ahead of Sundays Clasico at Camp Nou. Topics Jose Mourinho Real Madrid CF Vinicius Junior If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Real Madrid TV rubbish Guler elbow theory and claim Barcelona will have 17 referees in El Clasico Jon Fisher 20th October, 2026 Real Madrid v RB Leipzig: Preview, expected line-ups, stats and where to watch as Vinicius Jr returns Jon Fisher 20th October, 2026 Champions League predictions: Full guide to Matchday 3 2026/27 Ben Miller 20th October, 2026 Are you Arsene in disguise? Mourinho follows old rival in insisting he did not see Guler elbow in Real Madrid win Jon Fisher 19th October, 2026 Sevilla boss claims Real Madrid star Guler escaped red card to keep title race close ahead of Clasico Jon Fisher 19th October, 2026 Real Madrid 4-1 Sevilla: Mbappe scores twice after lucky Guler avoids red card Jon Fisher 18th October, 2026
