Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has vigorously defended striker Kylian Mbappe, describing recent criticism regarding the French captain’s injury management as “ridiculous.” The attacks followed reports that Mbappe spent time in France and Switzerland for recovery from a knee injury rather than remaining at the club’s facilities in Madrid.
Mbappe suffered a hyperextension of his left knee during a Nations League match against Turkey on September 25. While some supporters claimed his absence was a deliberate snub, Mourinho clarified that the player traveled to see a specialist due to a pre-existing history with the same knee joint.
“All the players who were obliged to be present every day for their recovery were here,” Mourinho told reporters on Friday, ahead of Real Madrid’s La Liga home fixture against Villarreal. “Mbappe came, like the others, to undergo scans in order to be diagnosed. He then went to see a specialist in France because he has history with his knee, which we cannot ignore.”
The Portuguese coach also addressed specific incidents that fueled public backlash, including photographs of Mbappe near a Parisian nightclub and riding a bicycle in Switzerland. Mourinho noted that the venue was hosting a private event for Fashion Week and that the bicycle was available for guest transport within a hotel complex, denying that the player was engaging in competitive activity.
Despite the team’s recent loss to Atletico Madrid and a six-point deficit behind rivals Barcelona, Mourinho expressed confidence that Mbappe has fulfilled his obligations. The striker resumed training on Wednesday and could return to the pitch as early as Saturday. Mourinho remained unfazed by the prospect of a hostile reception from fans, reiterating his trust in the World Cup record goalscorer.
This is not the first time Mbappe has faced scrutiny from the club’s support base this season. The Ultras Sur, a banned ultras group, previously objected to Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, and Ibrahima Konate rolling up T-shirts reading “We are all Ceutans” in solidarity with the Spanish exclave facing a migration crisis. Additionally, an online campaign demanding Mbappe’s departure gained traction earlier this year over his choice of recovery location.
The Ultras need to mind their own business. If the club doctor approved the recovery plan, that’s what matters, not social media outrage.
I still don’t trust the ‘private event’ explanation. Photographs of Mbappe near nightclubs while injured look bad regardless of context.
Wait, Mourinho is at Real Madrid? Did I miss a timeline change or is this article from an alternate universe?
Finally, a manager who stands up to toxic fans. The knee history makes total sense for seeking specialized care abroad.