José Mourinho will sit in the Santiago Bernabéu dugout as Real Madrid coach for the first time in thirteen years on Wednesday, hosting Real Sociedad in a fixture held over from the opening weekend to allow World Cup players extra rest.
Rather than dwell on his own return, the Portuguese used his pre-match press conference to turn the conversation toward Vinícius Júnior's treatment by referees.
"First home game, but it's one of nineteen. Every point matters. The aim is to win while respecting a team that deserves respect — they have identity and top players and will make it a difficult game for us," Mourinho said of Real Sociedad. "What I want is for the team to have the same hunger to win, the same attitude, resilience, strength and calm. I hope our fans can recognise that."
The most pointed section of the press conference concerned refereeing decisions and Vinícius, who Mourinho believes is treated differently to other players.
"It's obvious there's a general difference in how Vini is treated compared to others. He's got caught in a spiral — opponents feel they can do it to him, and they do. It's like small children: they go as far as you let them. It's a way of treating him I don't like. He was kicked, and that's an assault — it should have been a red card," he said, before adding that he trusted Spanish officiating overall.
"Aside from a few things, I liked the refereeing a lot. I don't think 'it's a Negreira friend' — no. There have been decisions that have influenced results, but that happens."
On what Vinícius can control himself, Mourinho drew a line between reaction and provocation.
"There's what happens on the pitch and off it. If the reaction isn't homophobic or racist, I think he can control it and improve. The kicks and penalties are the referee's responsibility — I prefer to say judge rather than referee in this case. With my personality, if they did that to me, maybe it's a red card for me too," he added, with a smile.
Mourinho confirmed Aurélien Tchouaméni remains out with a thigh problem carried over from the World Cup.
"He suffered a lot at the World Cup, as you'd expect. He hasn't played a couple of games, but he played in the semi-final. He has a problem and the holiday period wasn't enough. The player wanted to try, he did try, but we've decided he can't start the season while still in pain."
Real Madrid arrive off the back of a 2-1 win at Espanyol, sealed by a stoppage-time goal from debutant Carlos Espí, while Real Sociedad head to the Bernabéu on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis in their own delayed opener.