Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has condemned the criticism directed at Kylian Mbappe over his activities during the international break, describing the controversy as “ridiculous”.
Mbappe withdrew from France duty after sustaining an injury against Turkey on September 25. However, he later sparked debate after posting pictures of himself attending a Paris Fashion Week event and riding a bicycle.
Although Mourinho had previously indicated that cycling was against his rules, he defended the France captain, maintaining that Real Madrid’s players had fulfilled their responsibilities to the club during the international break.
According to BBC Sport on Friday, Mourinho said, “When it comes to Real Madrid, it’s always different,” Mourinho said.
“But all the players did exactly what they were supposed to during the break. And then you always want to look for more problems and issues.”
The Portuguese tactician warned that players who failed to meet the club’s standards would face consequences.
“What I can promise is when a Real Madrid player doesn’t behave the way a Real Madrid player is supposed to and when he fails at that and he stops being a Real Madrid player for 24 hours, you will not see that player on the bench because he will be at home,” he added.
Mourinho also rejected suggestions that Mbappe had behaved irresponsibly after photographs emerged of the forward riding a bicycle in Switzerland. He explained that bicycles were available for guests at his hotel complex to use for short trips.
Asked whether the media coverage surrounding Mbappe had been blown out of proportion, Mourinho responded: “Exaggerated, no — I think it was ridiculous.”
He further suggested that Mbappe’s inclusion in Real Madrid’s next match would demonstrate that the forward had fulfilled his obligations to the club.
“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,” Mourinho said.
Real Madrid are six points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona after seven matches, putting pressure on the Spanish giants to maintain consistency as the campaign progresses.
Mbappe, 27, remains among the leading contenders for this year’s Ballon d’Or after scoring 42 goals in 44 appearances for Real Madrid last season, despite the club finishing the campaign without a trophy.
The France captain also claimed the Golden Boot at the World Cup with 10 goals, taking his career tally at the tournament to a record 22, even though France finished fourth.