Jose Mourinho has warned that no player is guaranteed a starting place at Real Madrid, putting Vinicius Junior’s position under scrutiny before Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League meeting with RB Leipzig as Yan Diomande emerges as a serious contender for the left-wing role.

Mourinho confirmed that Vinicius will feature against Leipzig but has yet to decide whether the Brazilian will start. The Portuguese has also not informed Diomande of his selection status, leaving the final decision open after the Ivorian impressed during Sunday’s 4-1 victory over Sevilla.

Vinicius is serving a four-match La Liga suspension following a hair-pulling incident against Villarreal earlier this month but remains available for European fixtures. His recent form has attracted scrutiny, and Diomande is making a strong case for increased responsibility.

Speaking prior to the Leipzig fixture, Mourinho dismissed the notion that reputation, experience or transfer fees should guarantee a player a place in the team.

“Only the club badge is untouchable,” Mourinho said. “I don’t like the concept of untouchable players. What makes a player untouchable is not his status, the armband, his years at the club, how much was paid for him; what makes him untouchable is his performance on the pitch.”

The message comes as Diomande strengthens his position following an impressive display against Sevilla. Madrid’s £120 million investment in the winger has brought significant expectations, and his recent contribution offers Mourinho a credible alternative to Vinicius on the left.

The coach has also made clear that tactical flexibility is central to his approach, rejecting the idea that a manager should remain committed to one system regardless of the circumstances.

“As I said recently, I’m not a stubborn coach,” Mourinho added. “There are coaches who have an idea, and live or die by that idea. I’m not that kind of coach; I’m always open to analyse, to understand things and look for the best for the team.”

That philosophy was evident against Sevilla, when Arda Guler operated in central midfield and Federico Valverde filled in at right-back. Both demonstrated their ability to adapt, helping Madrid secure a convincing victory while giving Mourinho further options across the pitch.

Despite the positive result against Sevilla and Madrid’s encouraging start in Europe, Mourinho believes his team remains some distance from reaching the standard he expects.

“A long way off… we’ve been here three or four months, it’s impossible to be where we want to be,” Mourinho said when asked to provide an appraisal of his side. “We always have to improve, be it individually or collectively.”

The 63-year-old, who previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, understands the expectations that accompany the job.

Opening victories in the Champions League against Internazionale and Roma have put Madrid in a strong position to qualify for the last 16 through a top-eight finish in the league phase, but Mourinho acknowledged the work still required and believes talk of winning the competition is premature.

“I can’t lose my direction… (even though) I know there is a lot of work to do,” Mourinho added.

“It’s very early. Right now, Real Madrid don’t have the objective of winning the Champions League. We have the objective of qualifying [for the knockout phase]. Then, if we get the points that allow us to qualify, then we get to our second objective: to try to avoid the playoffs, which are two games with tension, and they’re games you can avoid.”

Konate praises Mourinho’s authority

Madrid will seek a third consecutive Champions League victory against Leipzig, but their domestic position presents a different challenge. They sit third in La Liga, six points behind Barcelona before Sunday’s Clasico at Camp Nou.

Defender Ibrahima Konate has offered an insight into the influence Mourinho commands within the dressing room, praising the head coach’s ability to earn the respect of his players.

Konate believes the Portuguese possesses a distinctive presence that sets him apart from many other coaches, with his reputation and leadership ensuring that players listen when he speaks.

“He’s a great manager, I think he has this aura that not many managers have, because he doesn’t need to speak and everyone will listen and respect him,” Konate told reporters.