Mourinho Defends Mbappe's Recovery Activities, Calls Media Criticism 'Ridiculous'

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has strongly defended Kylian Mbappe against media criticism over the French forward's activities during his injury recovery, calling the scrutiny "ridiculous" at a press conference on Friday ahead of the club's La Liga match against Villarreal.

Mbappe withdrew from France international duty after suffering a knee hyperextension while playing against Turkey on September 25. During his recovery period, he was photographed at a Paris Fashion Week event and riding a bicycle in Switzerland—activities that drew backlash, particularly as Mourinho had previously advised players against cycling to prevent injury.

Mourinho confirmed Mbappe will start against Villarreal and explained the medical process followed. He stated that Mbappe came to the club's training facility for diagnosis and scans, then consulted an external specialist because of his knee history, with both assessments aligning. Regarding the Paris visit, Mourinho clarified it was a private Fashion Week event, not a nightclub. He explained that the bicycle in Switzerland was available for guests at his hotel complex to use for short journeys between residential areas and communal facilities.

The manager suggested media coverage was designed to encourage Real Madrid supporters to turn against the player. "You don't have to be Einstein to see that this is the objective," Mourinho said, calling on the Bernabeu to "be fair" and "read between the lines." He reiterated his standard: players who fail to meet Real Madrid's conduct expectations would not play, stating "they will be at home."

Mbappe, 27, has been one of the club's standout performers but has not won a major trophy in his two seasons at Real Madrid. His availability marks an important moment as Real Madrid sits six points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona after seven matches. The fixture on Saturday begins a demanding October schedule that includes an El Clasico clash against Barcelona on October 25.