“It’s ridiculous”: in Madrid, Mourinho takes out the sulphate to defend Mbappé and denounces a conspiracy

“Is this exaggerated? It’s ridiculous.” Highly anticipated for the resumption of the Spanish championship this weekend and the meeting between Real Madrid and Villarreal, José Mourinho put on the boxing gloves to respond to the local media on Friday. At the heart of this exchange, Kylian Mbappé, targets criticism in a stormy context. Supporters and followers of the Madrid club have continued to criticize the striker for his attitude during the international break.

A torrent of attacks fell internationally. On the other side of the Pyrenees, he is accused of having had a good time in a nightclub in Paris last week, or of having gone to Switzerland, to cycle there in particular, a time chosen to respond to a journalist from Radio Marca on the alleged refusal of Real Madrid to publicly commit behind him in the Ballon d'Or campaign.

Mourinho expected to be put on the grill. The Portuguese took out the spiked helmet to answer questions from journalists. From the start of the press conference on Friday. “In recent weeks I thought you would have enough topics in the world of football but it seems that it is not enough. Important cases like that of Manchester City, or the difficult situation in my country with Cristiano and his coach. So many cases that could fuel your work, but it's not enough. Real Madrid is Real Madrid, and you always have to find something,” Mourinho initially responded very offensively but revived on the Mbappé subject. “Is this exaggerated? It’s ridiculous.” Atmosphere.

The “Special One” put on the lawyer’s robe. Don't count on him to criticize his French scorer. “Every private action has repercussions. A footballer will always remain a human being, capable of making mistakes... but he will always have a sense of responsibility,” added the coach, ensuring that all the players on his squad, including Mbappé, “have demonstrated exemplary professionalism.”

José Mourinho then returned more specifically to the case of the French international. “First, the nightclub which wasn’t one. Because it was a venue for a private event during Paris Fashion Week. Then, regarding cycling in Switzerland. It was about bicycles to move around in the common areas of this quiet hotel,” insisted the coach, who accuses the media of leading a campaign to stir up the anger of supporters.

“Whistles from the Bernabeu? This is one of your goals. You don't need to be a genius to figure it out. I hope the public will be fair. To be fair is to be intelligent. (…) I promise you that if a Real Madrid player does not behave like a Real Madrid player and fails to fulfill his obligations, if he does not fulfill his duties as a player or citizen, you will not see him on the bench. You won't be able to boo him. He will be at home. I will not give him the opportunity to sit on the bench. Mbappé will play. He won't even be on the bench. I am sure that he has fulfilled his obligations to Real Madrid,” concluded Mourinho. The reunion between the 2018 champion and the Madrid public is scheduled for Saturday at 9:00 p.m.