Sports · Football · 2 days ago
Mourinho defends Mbappé and says he will start against Villarreal
Real Madrid coach José Mourinho has defended Kylian Mbappé after criticism of the forward’s activities while recovering from an injury.
Mbappé returned early from France duty after being injured and was later seen in Paris and Switzerland.
Some coverage focused on images of him at an event in Paris and riding a bicycle in Switzerland.
Mourinho said the Paris venue had been used for a private event and the bikes were available to guests at Mbappé’s hotel.
He said Real Madrid’s players had met their professional obligations and called the criticism “ridiculous.”
Real Madrid are six points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona, and Mbappé has yet to win a major trophy with the club.
Mourinho said Mbappé will start against Villarreal at the Bernabéu on Saturday.
José Mourinho called criticism of Kylian Mbappé’s activities during the international break “ridiculous” and defended the forward’s conduct.
Mbappé travelled to Paris and Switzerland while recovering from an injury, drawing scrutiny over photographs of him at an event and riding a bicycle.
Mourinho said Mbappé followed Real Madrid’s injury assessment and recovery plan, and explained that the bicycle was available to guests at his hotel in Switzerland.
The coach said Mbappé would start Real Madrid’s LaLiga match against Villarreal on Saturday.
Real Madrid were six points behind league leaders Barcelona, according to the reports.
- Who
- José Mourinho defended Kylian Mbappé, a Real Madrid forward.
- What
- Mourinho called criticism of Mbappé’s activities during his injury break “ridiculous” and said he would start against Villarreal.
- When
- Mourinho spoke at a news conference on Friday, 9 October 2026. The match was scheduled for Saturday.
- Where
- The comments concerned Real Madrid and Mbappé’s trips to Paris and Switzerland; the upcoming match was at the Bernabéu.
- Why
- Mbappé faced criticism for travelling and for images of him at an event and riding a bicycle while recovering from injury.
Critics of Mbappé’s activities
José Mourinho
Mbappé’s travel during recovery
Critics of Mbappé’s activities
Critics questioned his trips to Paris and Switzerland while injured.
José Mourinho
Mourinho said Mbappé had received a diagnosis and agreed a recovery plan with the club and an external consultant.
Images from Switzerland
Critics of Mbappé’s activities
Critics drew attention to an image of Mbappé riding a bicycle.
José Mourinho
Mourinho said the bicycles were provided for hotel guests to make short journeys around the complex.
It's ridiculous
If Mbappe plays tomorrow, it's because he hasn't failed Real Madrid and he hasn't failed to fulfil his obligations to the club
I hope the Bernabeu can be fair, and that means being intelligent, being able to read between the lines.
Mbappé picked up an injury while on international duty with France.
Mbappé travelled to Paris and Switzerland while recovering from injury.
Mourinho defended Mbappé at a news conference and said criticism of him was ridiculous.
Real Madrid were due to play Villarreal at the Bernabéu, with Mourinho saying Mbappé would start.
- Player
- Kylian Mbappé
- Club
- Real Madrid
- Manager
- José Mourinho
- Upcoming match
- Villarreal, at the Bernabéu
- League position gap
- Real Madrid were six points behind Barcelona
Sources
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