José Mourinho says Vinícius Júnior’s difficult start to the season at Real Madrid “breaks my heart” and wants the Brazilian to rediscover his best level in the Champions League. As The Athletic reported, Mourinho spoke to Sky Italia before Madrid’s trip to Rome, with Vinícius suspended for La Liga after his red card against Villarreal.

“I’ve said that it breaks my heart to see Vini in this situation,” Mourinho told Sky Italia on Tuesday. He said Vinícius had yet to find the satisfaction of making a decisive impact this season, despite his effort, and pointed to the Champions League as an opportunity while the forward is unavailable in the league.

José Mourinho – Photo: Ronnie Macdonald / CC BY 2.0

Vinícius has scored once in nine appearances for Madrid this season and recorded one direct assist across his last six matches. He also went without a goal or assist for Brazil in its international-break matches against Australia and India.

He started on the bench against Villarreal on Saturday. After pulling Nathan Saliba’s hair, he was sent off; a goal he scored moments later was ruled out, and teammates had to pull him away as he protested the decision. Madrid won 1-0, with Yan Diomande scoring his first goal for the club.

The sending-off has made an already difficult run more complicated. Vinícius is set to miss the league match against Sevilla, and the referee’s report will determine whether the suspension also rules him out of the first Clásico of the season, scheduled for 25 October at Camp Nou. Vinícius’ suspension after the Villarreal incident could therefore affect a major fixture as well as his immediate league availability.

Mourinho said Vinícius works hard but has not yet found the joy of making a decisive impact this season. He urged Vinícius to show his true level in Europe, where the league suspension does not prevent him from playing.

The comments were made ahead of Madrid’s Champions League match in Rome. Mourinho’s appeal was about the forward’s form and confidence, rather than a separate club announcement; The Athletic reported that both the coach and Real Madrid have publicly backed Vinícius on several occasions.