Mourinho defends Mbappe over international break activities

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 13:07 · Archive

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has defended Kylian Mbappe over his activities during the international break, calling criticism 'ridiculous'.

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has defended striker Kylian Mbappe against criticism of his activities during the international break. The France captain sustained a left knee hyperextension in a Nations League match against Turkey on 25 September and withdrew from further international duty. During his recovery, Mbappe was photographed at a Paris Fashion Week event and riding a bicycle in Switzerland, prompting criticism from some observers.

Mourinho called the criticism 'ridiculous' at a news conference on Friday ahead of Real's La Liga match with Villarreal. He said that all players completed their required recovery obligations and that Mbappe underwent scans and consulted a specialist in France due to his history with knee injuries. The coach dismissed suggestions that Mbappe had deliberately disregarded his earlier warning about avoiding bicycles and skiing, explaining that bicycles were available for guests at his hotel complex for short journeys and that the Paris venue was a private event for Fashion Week, not a nightclub.

Mourinho stated that if Mbappe plays, it is because he has fulfilled his obligations to the club. Real Madrid are six points behind leaders Barcelona in La Liga after seven games.

How it is being reported

• Real Madrid’s Mourinho lashes out at ‘ridiculous’ criticism of MbappeKylian Mbappe takes fire for how he has chosen to recover from knee injury as he prepares to return for Real Madrid.Al Jazeera · 9 Oct, 12:29
• Mourinho calls criticism of Mbappe 'ridiculous'Jose Mourinho defends Kylian Mbappe who has been scrutinised during the international break.BBC Sport · 9 Oct, 10:57

In this story: Jose Mourinho · Kylian Mbappe · Real Madrid · Barcelona · France · Turkey

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