Kylian Mbappe praises Jose Mourinho as one of football’s ‘smartest’ minds

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has described Jose Mourinho as “one of the smartest people” he has met, praising the Portuguese coach’s leadership and lasting influence on football.

Mbappe was reflecting on the coaches who have shaped his career, including Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa and Mourinho. He said each had offered a different perspective on the game and that working with successful managers was always an opportunity to learn.

“All four of Ancelotti, Alonso, Arbeloa and Mourinho are important figures in the game. It’s always a privilege to be part of their journeys,” Mbappe said.

“I learned things from each of them because they all see soccer differently. They’re winners, and you always learn from winners.

“But it’s true that with Mourinho, it’s different. He’s one of the smartest people I’ve ever met. A true leader.”

Mbappe said his view of Mourinho had developed further through working with him regularly, despite already recognising his reputation before he arrived.

“I knew that before he arrived, but when you work with him every day, you realise what a special person and legendary coach he is,” he said.

“He’s someone who has defined an era and will continue to do so with us. I’m sure of it.”

The France international was also asked about criticism that he is mainly a goalscorer rather than a complete forward.

Mbappe said he understood that football invited differing views, adding that he was prepared to engage with people who offered thoughtful criticism of his performances.

“That’s their opinion. Over the years I’ve learned that everyone in soccer has an opinion, and you have to accept that,” he said.

“Sometimes people see the game the way you do; sometimes they don’t. There isn’t just one way to play soccer. There are millions of ways.

“That’s why I’m always willing to listen. Some people simply want to provoke or criticise. But when someone wants to talk soccer with structure and ideas behind their arguments, I’m always open to that discussion.”

Asked whether he preferred playing alongside Vinicius Junior or Jude Bellingham, Mbappe declined to select one teammate.

Instead, he pointed to the range of qualities available to Real Madrid in attack and said the best option could vary according to the demands of a game.

“They’re very different players. They do completely different things on the field,” Mbappe said.

“In some aspects of the game, it’s easier with Jude. In others, it’s Vini, or Arda Guler, Brahim Diaz, Yan Diomande, Carlos Espi…”

Mbappe also backed Espi to make a major contribution during the season.

“Espi is going to score a lot of goals this season. He has a real knack for finding the net,” he said.

Real Madrid’s next fixture is a La Liga meeting with Atletico Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Sunday, when Mbappe is expected to be one of the central figures in the Madrid derby.