Jose Mourinho has lashed out at claims he was unhappy with Kylian Mbappe amid suggestions the Real Madrid striker was not taking his rehabilitation from a knee injury seriously. Mbappe sustained a recurrence of a long-standing problem when playing for France against Turkey in the opening game of the international break. He pulled out of Les Bleus squad but was then spotted in a Parisian nightclub while further accusations were thrown his way when he filmed himself riding a bike in the Swiss Alps.Asked about his star man ahead of Saturdays game with Villarreal, Mourinho said: For me, [being] a player is [living that for] 24 hours. Something important or negative that he does on a private level, always has some impact. I always say a player will always be a human being. A man who can be wrong, but has a sense of responsibility.In the case of Mbapp. He has been here, he has had a diagnosis. He has gone to an outpatient clinic because his knee has a history that cannot be forgotten. He has a recovery plan that you dont have to know in detail.And then, its the issue of problem-seeking [by the media]. The real problems that football has had these last couple of weeks have not been enough and there is a search for more. First, the disco that was not a disco. It was a place for a private event at Paris fashion week. Then, the bicycle in Switzerland where it was a hotel of small houses. There were bicycles to move to other areas. And it looks like he was doing the Tour of Switzerland.Mourinho criticises media for Real Madrid whispersMbappe could still face a hostile reception from the Santiago Bernabeu crowd this weekend and if he does Mourinho believes the local press will be to blame.If this happens, it will be a great victory for you [the media], he said. Not even giant stories like the Manchester City one or the difficult situation in my country with Cristiano [Ronaldo] and his coach. So many stories that could feed your work, but it has not been enough.Madrid is Madrid and you always have to get something out.Asked if he understood the fans frustration with a player who has scored 94 goals in 111 games in all competitions since joining from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024, Mourinho replied: This is one of your goals. It is not necessary to be Einstein to understand that this is the goal.My hope is that the Bernabu will be fair. To be fair is to be intelligent. Read between the lines and understand the dynamics. Understand the objectives. I promise that if a Real Madrid player does not fulfill his obligations as a player or as a citizen, they will not see that player. They wont be able to whistle him, hes going to be at home. I dont give him the opportunity to sit on the bench.Mbapp is going to play. He wont be on the bench. Im sure he hasnt failed in his obligations with Real Madrid.Pressure on Real Madrid to remain on coat tails of leaders BarcelonaMadrid head into the clash with Villarreal in fourth place in La Liga, five places and seven points ahead of their opponents. But with Barcelona winning all seven of their opening games, the pressure is on Mourinhos men to win tomorrow or risk falling even further behind their arch-rivals in the title race. Topics Real Madrid CF Villarreal CF If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Mourinho jokes hell be lucky to see final Man City verdict Nicholas McGee 8th October, 2026 Real Madrid must rue Mourinho mistake as Mbappe antics show club remains in turmoil Jon Fisher 8th October, 2026 As Lionel Messi stands aside, we ask: Who is the best player in the world right now? Jon Fisher 6th October, 2026 Carlos Espi earns first Spain call-up after five-goal haul for U21s Mitch Fretton 2nd October, 2026 Negreira case: UEFA looking into Barcelona documents 101 GreatGoals 1st October, 2026 Tuchel opens door for Bellingham to play as a nine for England but says it will be impossible to replace Kane Cian Cheesbrough 30th September, 2026
