‘A huge mistake.’ Kompany hits out at Mourinho for Vinícius Júnior comments - AP News
AP News
February 20, 2026
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A former Premier League star has criticized Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarpi for his recent comments about a Real Madrid player. Vincent Kompany, who now plays for Manchester City, called it a "huge mistake" for Mourinho to publicly question Vinícius Júnior's leadership qualities during a match against Manchester United. Kompany argued that such criticism undermines the player's confidence and could negatively impact team dynamics. He emphasized the importance of respecting players' abilities and maintaining trust within the squad.
The controversy arose after Mourinho criticized Vinícius for not taking charge of the game, a comment that drew widespread backlash from footballers and analysts alike. Kompany, known for his leadership skills during his playing career, believes that public reprimands can have long-term consequences on a player's development. He stressed that constructive criticism should be delivered privately to avoid embarrassing young players like Vinícius.
This debate highlights the delicate balance coaches must strike between fostering accountability and preserving players' self-esteem. While Mourinho's intent may have been to motivate his team, Kompany's response underscores the potential risks of public criticism in high-stakes sports environments. The discussion also sheds light on the broader challenges of managing young talent and maintaining positive team morale.
Ultimately, the clash of opinions between Kompany and Mourinho reflects a larger conversation about leadership style in football. As clubs compete to develop the next generation of stars, how coaches handle criticism and player management will continue to be a hot topic in the sport. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and respect in fostering growth both on and off the field.
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Originally published on AP News on 2/20/2026