According to a report by Football365 on November 7, 2026, Jose Mourinho’s reported changes at Real Madrid have reshaped the team’s attacking and defensive approach, raising questions about how Vinicius Junior will fit into the side when he returns from suspension.

The Brazilian’s absence has coincided with a run in which Madrid have reportedly recorded seven consecutive victories. During that period, Kylian Mbappe has operated with more freedom in advanced areas, while the team has developed an attacking structure that places greater emphasis on his movement.

Jude Bellingham has also taken on a more influential role. Mourinho has reportedly deployed the England midfielder as a roaming No. 10, allowing him to link play, create opportunities and make forward runs alongside Mbappe. The arrangement has given Madrid another route through the middle of the pitch.

The changes are not limited to the attack. Madrid have adopted a more organised 4-4-2 mid-block, with Arda Guler and Yan Diomande expected to help their full-backs when the team is defending. Their work without the ball is said to have improved the side’s overall shape and balance.

New arrivals Bernardo Silva and Diomande have also reportedly benefited from the system, contributing to the team’s creativity and defensive work. The collective approach appears to be central to Mourinho’s attempt to make Madrid more disciplined rather than relying solely on individual attacking quality.

That shift could leave Vinicius facing a different challenge when he becomes available again. The winger has been one of Madrid’s leading attacking figures, but the report suggests Mourinho is not prepared to restore him automatically to the starting eleven.

Instead, selection is expected to depend on how well each player follows the tactical plan and contributes to the team as a whole. Vinicius may therefore have to adapt his game to the structure that has developed during his absence.

His return will test whether Mourinho can accommodate the Brazilian without disrupting the balance Madrid have built. It also presents the coach with a selection decision: retain a winning system or adjust it to include one of the club’s most prominent forwards at the club.