Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho stated on Tuesday to Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior and other team stars that no one is 'untouchable.'
Vinicius is currently struggling with form and has been suspended for four matches in La Liga for pulling his hair, but he will be able to play in the Champions League match against RB Leipzig on Wednesday, as Madrid hosts this team.
Ivory Coast winger Allan Diomande, who was the club's record signing for 140 million euros ($157 million), impressed in recent weeks by scoring a goal against Sevilla in La Liga while Vinicius was absent.
When journalists asked Mourinho if Vinicius's place in the team was threatened by Diomande's form, the coach replied: 'Only the club crest is untouchable.' He added: 'I don't like the concept of untouchable players. What makes a player untouchable is not their status, captain's armband, years at the club, or the amount paid for them; it is their performance on the field.'
Mourinho announced that Vinicius will play on the left flank against Leipzig, and also noted that he has not yet decided whether Diomande will start the match.
'Madrid' hosts the Bundesliga team aiming for a third victory in the Champions League from three group stage matches. However, in La Liga, the team is in third place, six points behind leaders Barcelona, whom they will face on Sunday.
According to Mourinho, the team's level is still significantly below what he hopes to achieve. 'It's far off... we have been here three or four months, it's impossible to be where we want to be,' continued the Portuguese veteran. He emphasized the need for constant improvement both individually and collectively, acknowledging the high demands of the club. 'I have been here for three years (2010–2013), and I know perfectly how everything works. I cannot lose direction... (although) I know there is a lot of work ahead.'
French defender Ibrahima Konate noted that the former manager of Chelsea and Manchester United inspires respect. 'He is a great manager, I think he has that aura that many coaches lack because he doesn't need to speak, and everyone will listen to and respect him,' Konate told journalists.