Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho did not speak to the media after the game against Villarreal on Saturday as he wanted to “avoid suspension” according to several reports. Mourinho, known for his character sometimes on the pitch, was fired up in the middle after VAR, decided to call the referee to monitor and the goal was marked by striker Vinicius Ir of Brazil, who also sent by the referee VAR review showed that Nathan Saliba had pulled the scoring hair.
Mourinho, who announced Real Madrid as coach in the summer, refused to attend the media and did not attend the usual post-match press conference at the Bernabeu, after Real Madrid won 1-0 against Villarreal with Yan Diomande’s goal.
After the game, Vinicius Jr. He apologized to his fans and his teammates, who posted on Instagram.
“Sorry to the team and the fans,” he said.
The Brazilian striker came on for 20 minutes and was sent off after 20 minutes. Mourinho celebrated with the team and went to Vinicius Jr. a few seconds before the VAR overturned the decision and ran to him.
The targeted Spanish federation rules the state that pulling the hair of an opponent is considered a violent action and the sanction (article 130) is a ban of one to three games. Real Madrid will face Sevilla, Barcelona and Santander Racing, which is likely Vinicius Jr. will send the Clasico against Barcelona on Oct. 25
Mourinho will return to speaking on Tuesday when Real Madrid travel to Rome ahead of their second league match against AS Roma on Wednesday at the Stadio Olimpico, hosted by Paramount+. It will also be the first return of the Special Olimpico since he was snapped up by the Giallorossi in January 2024.
Mourinho left a legitimate legacy at the club he managed from 2021 to 2024, leading them to their first ever UEFA trophy by winning the inaugural UEFA Conference League in 2022. He later led the team to the 2023 UEFA Europa League final, where they suffered a penalty shootout defeat by Sevilla. His move back to face his former club is set to be one of the most anticipated moments of this season for the Champions.