Former Real Madrid star Savio talks Vinicius, Rodrygo, Endrick, Mbappe, Diomande, Mourinho: ‘He needs to set his mind and focus’

Former Real Madrid star Savio talks Vinicius, Rodrygo, Endrick, Mbappe, Diomande, Mourinho: ‘He needs to set his mind and focus’ Real Madrid face several questions about their attacking options, with Vinicius Jr. struggling to find his best form , Endrick short of consistency and Rodrygo working his way back from a serious injury.  Former Madrid winger Savio Bortolini has offered his assessment of all three, while also sharing his thoughts on Jose Mourinho and Barcelona ahead of El Clasico. Speaking to AS , the former Brazil international drew on his experience at the Santiago Bernabeu to explain what Vinicius must do to regain his influence.  Savio explains what Vinicius must do When asked what is going on with Vinicius, Savio pointed to the Brazilian’s performances rather than speculating about his private life.  He believes the forward must rediscover his focus and the work ethic that helped him become a key figure in Madrid’s European successes. “I don’t know anything about his private life, but on the pitch you can see he’s not at his best. The only way to get out of a slump is through hard work and by staying mentally strong. “I always said we had to be patient because he was such a young lad when he first arrived. He went straight from Flamengo’s Under-17s to the first team. Vinicius has received a word of advice from a Real Madrid winger. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images) “With time and hard work, he improved until he won two Champions Leagues, playing a key role. Now he needs to focus entirely on Real Madrid to become a decisive player once again.” The former winger also addressed the strained relationship between Vinicius and sections of the Bernabeu crowd. He sees hard work and mental strength as the route towards repairing that connection. “It’s difficult, but the only way to fix it is through a lot of hard work and by strengthening his mental resilience – there’s no other way.” Savio was also asked whether Real Madrid supporters should show the forward more patience.  Having experienced the pressure at both Flamengo and Real Madrid, he acknowledged how difficult it is to demand understanding from such large fanbases. “It’s very difficult to ask for patience from a fanbase as large as Real Madrid’s. “I played for Flamengo and Madrid, both of which have massive fanbases with enormous pressure, but I saw it as a challenge and tried to enjoy myself on the pitch. “If I had to say anything, it would be to focus entirely on football and keep working hard, because when the fans see that you’re giving it your all, they’ll always be behind you.” Rodrygo earns praise as Savio questions Endrick’s situation Savio offered an encouraging assessment of Rodrygo, whom he recently met while the Brazilian continues his recovery .  Savio has praised Rodrygo after meeting the Brazilian. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) He understands the difficulties of rehabilitation but believes the forward retains qualities Real Madrid are missing. “An injury is the worst thing for an athlete. I’ve been through times like that myself, although not as serious as Rodrygo’s injury. “You have to be with the physio every day, working to get back as soon as possible, without being able to rush things… He looked really good to me; he’s a very down-to-earth lad. “Through my son and his friends, we were able to swap the number 11 shirts – both the one from my time and the current one, his. “He’s a fantastic player; I love him – he’s got great close control, pace and is tactically very sound. Madrid miss him.” Endrick received a more cautious assessment. Savio admitted he has seen little of the youngster at Madrid and cannot fully explain why his development has stalled . “I don’t really know what’s going on because I’ve seen very little of him at Madrid. I’m left with the image of his fantastic final tournament with Palmeiras, before he came here, as a young, very talented lad. “It feels as though he isn’t thriving here, not because of his football but because of a lack of consistency… or connection.” On whether another loan would benefit the Brazilian, Savio made his priority clear: regular football must come first. “Being at Madrid was a five-year dream for me, but I didn’t just want to be there – I wanted to keep playing football.  “If Endrick doesn’t fit in and remains in this situation, being such a young and talented lad, he needs to play somewhere.” Savio assesses Diomande and Mourinho ahead of El Clasico Looking ahead to El Clasico, Savio praised Raphinha’s progress at Barcelona, particularly the confidence and finishing that have helped him challenge Kylian Mbappe in the scoring charts. Savio feels Mourinho is the best choice for Real Madrid. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) “Although he’s not a natural goalscorer, Raphinha is very talented and had already been showing that at Barcelona. He’s gaining confidence, getting to know the club and improving his finishing. “He’s very quick and is having a fantastic season – that’s for sure. But El Clasico is El Clasico.  “Real Madrid have talent, plenty of strength and individual ability, but they need to get all the pieces to slot together properly.” Savio also welcomed the direct approach of Real Madrid forward Yan Diomande, praising his willingness to take defenders on despite the risk of losing possession. “I really like talented players who take on defenders and give it a go without thinking twice after a mistake. He’s a lad with pace, talent and good tactical awareness to help out.” Finally, Savio backed Mourinho to lead Madrid through their current situation. Although he has never worked under the Portuguese coach, his experience of facing him left a positive impression. “I’ve never worked with Mourinho, but I’ve played against him and I’ve always liked his style. He’s a very successful manager wherever he’s been and he’s extremely capable. “Real Madrid don’t have much time, but I think he’s the best choice for the current situation and he needs a bit more time to get the team settled, as I said before. “He knows what he’s doing; he’s proved that at the clubs he’s been at,” he concluded.