Real Madrid manager José Mourinho called criticism of Kylian Mbappé “ridiculous” during a Friday news conference, defending the forward over trips to Paris and Switzerland during his recovery from a knee injury. Mourinho confirmed Mbappé will start Saturday’s LaLiga match against Villarreal at the Bernabéu.
The comments came as Real Madrid sits six points behind leaders Barcelona through seven games, with El Clásico looming Oct. 25 at Camp Nou, according to ESPN.
Mourinho Addresses Mbappé Criticism
Mbappé picked up the injury in his first game on international duty with France on Sept. 25. He drew scrutiny afterward for attending a Paris Fashion Week event during the international break and for posting a video of himself riding a bike, an activity Mourinho had previously said footballers should avoid.
Mourinho pushed back directly. “It’s ridiculous,” he said of the criticism, according to ESPN.
He described the settings behind the trips in detail. “[In Paris] it was a club that wasn’t a club. It was a club that had been transformed for a private event,” Mourinho said.
Of the Switzerland trip, he said, “Then in Switzerland, it was just a hotel, with little houses, and each house had some bikes to get to where the restaurants and spa was. It was absolute tranquility.”
What It Means For Mbappé’s Status
Mbappé received a diagnosis at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training facility and also consulted an external specialist regarding his knee, which has a history of prior injury. That outside opinion matched the club’s own diagnosis, according to ESPN.
Mourinho tied that medical clearance directly to Saturday’s lineup decision. “If Mbappé plays tomorrow, it’s because he hasn’t failed Real Madrid and he hasn’t failed to fulfil his obligations to the club,” he said.
The manager also framed the forward’s conduct as part of a broader pattern among his squad. “I don’t lie. The truth is that in this period, Real Madrid’s players have been exemplary in their professional situation,” Mourinho said. “Those who were injured came straight to Valdebebas, got their diagnosis, and got their rehab plan.”
Context Around The Forward
Mbappé, 27, is considered one of the favorites for this year’s Ballon d’Or after scoring 42 goals in 44 games for Real Madrid last season, though the club failed to win a trophy. He also claimed the World Cup Golden Boot with 10 goals, pushing his career World Cup tally to 22, even as France finished fourth in the tournament, according to Yahoo Sports.
Mourinho said he was frustrated that media attention centered on Mbappé instead of larger issues in football, citing the Manchester City case, the Negreira matter and Cristiano Ronaldo’s situation as examples. He also said he felt hurt and saddened by fan criticism directed at Vinícius Júnior, adding that the winger wants to reach his best form and make a difference for the team.
Mourinho drew a line on what he will and will not accept from his roster going forward. “One thing I promise is that when a Real Madrid player doesn’t behave like a Real Madrid player, they won’t see that player on the bench. They won’t have the chance to whistle, because they’ll be at home,” he said.
He added that despite the outside scrutiny, “When it comes to Real Madrid, it’s always different. But all the players did exactly what they were supposed to during the break.”
What’s Next
Real Madrid hosts Villarreal on Saturday at the Bernabéu with Mbappé in the starting lineup, Mourinho confirmed. The club then turns its attention to El Clásico against Barcelona on Oct. 25 at Camp Nou, with Real Madrid currently sitting six points behind the LaLiga leaders.
Don't stop here
Every Score. Every Story. One Home.
Breaking sports, entertainment and news from across the Total Apex network, updated all day.
Get the Full Story →
