"It's ridiculous": Mourinho lashes out against the controversy surrounding Mbappé

With Kylian Mbappé facing potential boos from the Santiago Bernabéu crowd during Real Madrid's upcoming match against Villarreal, José Mourinho didn't mince words regarding the controversy surrounding the French striker. The Portuguese manager denounced what he considered an excessive media frenzy and called on Madrid supporters to exercise restraint.

Asked at a press conference about the risk of Mbappé being targeted by his own fans, José Mourinho strongly criticized the media coverage of the player's situation. According to him, such a scene would primarily represent a victory for the media, whom he accuses of seeking to fuel tensions surrounding Real Madrid.

"If it happens, it will be a great victory for you (the media). You had the gigantic Manchester City case, the difficult situation in my country with Cristiano and his coach… So many things that could have fueled your work, but it wasn't enough. Real Madrid is Real Madrid and you always have to get things out. And that's where we are," said the Portuguese coach.

Pressed further on the excessive hype surrounding Kylian Mbappé, Mourinho was even more categorical. "Exaggerated? That's ridiculous," he declared.

According to him, a player who fails to meet his professional or civic obligations simply shouldn't be fielded. "I promise that if a Real Madrid player doesn't behave as he should, if he fails to meet his obligations and duties as a player or citizen, they won't see him on the pitch. They won't be able to boo him because he'll stay home," he explained.

Mbappé expected to start against Villarreal

José Mourinho has finally clarified his position regarding the French striker. In his view, Kylian Mbappé has not failed in his obligations to Real Madrid and therefore does not deserve to be treated as a guilty player. "Mbappé will play (tomorrow, against Villarreal). He will not be on the bench because he has not failed in his obligations as a Real Madrid player," he stated.