Mourinho brands Spanish media attacks on Mbappé as ridiculous
At a packed press room in the Bernabéu on Friday the 9th, Real Madrid manager José Mourinho faced a barrage of questions about French striker Kylian Mbappé. The Portuguese coach dismissed the Spanish media’s focus on the forward’s recent activities as “ridiculous”, sparking a heated exchange.
Mourinho slams media criticism
Mourinho classified the criticism levelled in Espanha as “ridiculous”. He accused journalists of “creating stories out of nothing” and warned they were trying to turn supporters against the player. “If these controversies are exaggerated? They are ridiculous,” he told reporters.
The French captain’s recovery was split between Paris and Switzerland rather than Madri, prompting scrutiny from both the press and Madrid‑based fans. Mourinho noted that Mbappé underwent part of his left‑knee rehabilitation abroad because the injury has a history that cannot be ignored. He stressed that the player had consulted his specialist in France after the medical tests.
Further criticism arose after the striker was spotted at the entrance of a Parisian nightclub and later posted a photograph cycling on social media. Some supporters accused him of challenging his coach, recalling Mourinho’s recent interview in which he advised against cycling due to accident risk. Mourinho replied that the venue was actually a private fashion‑week event and the bike ride took place at a hotel offering bicycles for guest movement, not a race.
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Explaining the medical process, Mourinho said, “Mbappé came, like the others, to undergo examinations for a diagnosis. Afterwards he consulted his specialist in France, because his knee has a history that cannot be ignored.” He added that the player “did not neglect his obligations” during the international break.
The Portuguese manager insisted the press was fabricating narratives to stir up controversy. He expressed hope that the Bernabéu crowd would be “fair” and not vilify the forward. “The current problems of football were not enough for them… then they found the nightclub story,” Mourinho said, underscoring his frustration.
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Real Madrid’s league position and upcoming clash
Real Madrid sit six points behind league leaders Barcelona as LaLiga resumes on Saturday. The club hosts Villarreal at home, while the blue‑grenade side travels to face Getafe later in the round. Mourinho’s comments come on the eve of the match, adding extra attention to the team’s performance.