Kylian Mbappé did not really have a quiet international break. And neither does José Mourinho. For several days, Real Madrid has found itself at the heart of a new controversy surrounding its French star, whose every move has been scrutinized by the Spanish press. It all started with Mbappé’s premature departure from the French team gathering, after scoring the only goal in the Blues’ victory against Turkey (0-1) in the Nations League. Officially released to continue his recovery, the former Parisian then increased his travels between Madrid, Paris and Switzerland. An evening in the French capital with his partner Ester Expósito, a bike ride in the Swiss Alps and a return to training considered late: it was enough to trigger a real media storm. Especially since several Spanish media have mentioned a certain annoyance from José Mourinho, who would not have appreciated the way in which his attacker had managed this period. Enough to fuel questions about a possible tension between the two men, while other revelations also reported unease around the Frenchman within the Madrid club.
José Mourinho’s press conference this Friday, on the eve of the clash against Villarreal, was particularly anticipated. The Portuguese technician did not escape questions about Mbappé. But rather than attacking his player, the Special One decided to settle scores with the media. “If that’s what’s happening for you, and I’m not targeting anyone in particular, then it’ll be a win.” Besides, in recent weeks, I thought that there was enough real business in the world of football… But apparently, that wasn’t enough. Even huge deals like that of Manchester City, or the difficult situation that my compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo is going through with his coach. There were so many topics that could have fueled your work, but it wasn’t enough. Real Madrid remains Real Madrid and you always have to find something to talk about.”he first said. And when a journalist asked him if the whole story had been exaggerated, Mourinho did not hesitate for a single second. ” Ridiculous. » The tone was set.
José Mourinho attacks the press
But the Portuguese did not stop there. Relaunched on vacations, travel and this famous bike ride which caused a huge reaction in Spain, Mourinho was keen to recall the demands imposed on his players, while defending their behavior during the break. “For me, a player is a player 24 hours a day, and I repeat. Everything he does in his private life always has repercussions. A footballer remains a human being, he can make a mistake here or there, but he must always have a sense of responsibility. I don’t lie on any level. During this period, Real Madrid players have been exemplary in their professional behavior. We have worked here to ensure that they are in the best conditions. Everything was perfectly defined, with rest control. Everyone who traveled respected their obligations. As for the injured, they came to Valdebebas, took their exams and followed their recovery program. For example, Arda, who was injured in the last match, it was me who gave him two days of rest”explained the Madrid coach. A way of reminding us that the movements of its players were not necessarily synonymous with a lack of professionalism.
And specifically concerning Kylian Mbappé, Mourinho was especially keen to dismantle the various information released in recent days. “To take your example of Mbappé, he came here, he passed his exams and then left to ask for a second medical opinion, because he has something in his knee that cannot be neglected. During his recovery, which you don’t have to know all the details of, we then went into this constant search for problems. First, there was this nightclub thing that wasn’t really a nightclub thing. It was a trendy establishment in Paris, where a private event was taking place. Then there was this bicycle story in Switzerland, when it was a hotel which made a few bicycles available to go to the spa, in the common areas and in perfectly quiet places. And now we come to even more insignificant stories, like that of poor Huijsen, who was simply arrested in front of Pitarch’s house sending a message and who was presented almost as a criminal. It’s ridiculous. » Before driving the point home. “You want a story? I’ll give you one. This is the first time in October that Real Madrid has had no new injuries. Those who are still in the infirmary have been there since last season. This is a good story, but it doesn’t interest you. » A long clarification intended to sweep away the suspicions surrounding the physical management of its players, and in particular that of Mbappé.
No controversy for Mbappé
Above all, José Mourinho did not appreciate the questions concerning a possible anger of Madrid supporters towards their number 10. Asked about the possibility of seeing part of the Santiago Bernabeu whistle Mbappé during his return, the Portuguese technician once again pointed the finger at the media treatment of this affair. “That’s one of your goals. You don’t have to be Einstein to understand that this is the goal. I prefer not to say who I’m talking about, I could be wrong, but that’s one of the objectives. Concerning the Bernabéu, I am not going to comment. I respect the supporters. My hope is that the Bernabéu is capable of being fair. To be fair is to be intelligent. It’s knowing how to read between the lines, understanding the dynamics and objectives of each person”he continued. An offensive response from Mourinho, who obviously believes that certain controversies surrounding his attacker have been artificially maintained and could now influence the behavior of the Madrid public.
The Special One wanted to make a particularly strong promise regarding discipline at Real Madrid. “ I promise you one thing: if a Real Madrid player doesn’t behave like a Real Madrid player, if he fails in his obligations as a player or as a citizen, you won’t even see him on the bench. You won’t be able to whistle it. He will be at home. I won’t even give him the chance to sit on the bench. Mbappé will play. He will not be on the bench. I am certain that he has not failed in any of his obligations towards Real Madrid. » Difficult to make it any clearer. While the latest revelations from the Spanish press suggested that the relationship between Mourinho and Mbappé could begin to become strained, the Portuguese took the opposite view of all this information by publicly defending his attacker. And on the eve of an important meeting against Villarreal, the Madrid coach above all wanted to close a controversy which was taking up more and more space around his team. It now remains for Mbappé to respond on the ground.
