Former Real Madrid star backs Vinicius Jr. to turn things around: ‘We need to give him a little time’

Former Real Madrid star backs Vinicius Jr. to turn things around: ‘We need to give him a little time’ Former Real Madrid star and director Predrag Mijatovic has urged Vinicius Jr. to remain patient as he looks to rediscover his best form, following Yan Diomande’s impressive impact under Jose Mourinho. The former Madrid forward turned pundit believes the Brazilian needs time and reassurance rather than additional pressure, despite his visible disappointment at being substituted during Wednesday’s 4-1 Champions League victory over RB Leipzig. Vinicius was withdrawn in the 70th minute to make way for Diomande and left the pitch looking dejected. His reaction did not go unnoticed by Mijatovic, who discussed the winger’s situation on El Larguero . Mijatovic urges patience as Diomande raises competition at Real Madrid Mijatovic, who played for Real Madrid between 1996 and 1999 before serving as the club’s football director from 2006 to 2009, believes Vinicius can recover his best level if given sufficient time. Under pressure. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images) “I feel Vinicius needs to give a little more, and I am convinced he will get back to his best. We need to give him a little time and not put too much pressure on him,” Mijatovic said. The former director also acknowledged the potential of Diomande, whose emergence gives Mourinho another attacking option capable of making a difference. However, he was careful not to frame the young player’s impact as proof that Vinicius had become the inferior option . “With Diomande, we could have a player who can make the difference. That does not mean he is better than Vinicius, but Vinicius can certainly get back to his best form,” he noted. Yan Diomande is excelling. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) “I do not think he should be in a hurry. We need to wait for him, and surely his best days will come.” Praise for Bellingham and Courtois Mijatovic also praised two other Real Madrid players following the Leipzig victory: Jude Bellingham and Thibaut Courtois. “Bellingham is doing a tremendous job, playing really well and being a fundamental player in the team. He inspires a lot of confidence, and Mourinho relies heavily on him because the players admire him. He always gives 100 per cent,” Mijatovic said. He was equally emphatic about Courtois, describing the Belgian as “the best goalkeeper in the world.” Mijatovic added that the goalkeeper’s saves provide confidence and can be just as important as goals or attacking contributions.