Real Madrid Boss Mourinho Slams ‘Bullying’ On Vinicius After Espanyol

BusinessSportsMoneyReal Madrid Boss Mourinho Slams ‘Bullying’ On Vinicius After EspanyolByTom Sanderson,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Tom Sanderson has been primarily based in Barcelona since 2019.Follow AuthorAug 22, 2026, 06:17pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.SummaryReal Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has fiercely defended winger Vinicius Jr., accusing the public of "bullying" him. After a 2-1 win against Espanyol, where Vinicius faced criticism for a diving incident, Mourinho asserted that while his player isn't a "saint," the persistent negative treatment from opponents and the public is excessive. Mourinho stressed the importance of preparing Vinicius emotionally, noting the irony given broader anti-bullying sentiments. Goals from Jude Bellingham and Carlos Espi sealed the victory, though Mourinho conceded Espanyol didn't deserve to lose. Real Madrid now prepares to face Real Sociedad.Show More Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho said that we live in an era of "bullying" when it comes to his winger Vinicius Jr.Getty ImagesReal Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho accused the general public of "bullying" when it comes to his winger Vinicius Jr.Many felt that Vinicius should have been booked for a diving incident when trying to win a penalty during a 2-1 win against Espanyol.Goals from Jude Bellingham and Carlos Espi were enough to earn three points in Mourinho’s second La Liga debut as Los Blancos boss. But he stuck up for his charge as is often the Mourinho way even if his players have done wrong.“I have the risk that you go back months and dig my words up from when I was Vini’s opponent," Mourinho said, in reference to a racism incident in the Champions League when the Portuguese managed Benfica last season. “Now Vini is mine. He is not a saint, but what they do to...