Mourinho defends Real Madrid players ahead of Villarreal clash

Jose Mourinho has defended his Real Madrid squad after criticism of Kylian Mbappe, saying the players have behaved as “an example to follow” during a period affected by injuries.

Real Madrid host Villarreal at 22:00 on Saturday in the eighth round of La Liga, with Mourinho’s side currently fourth in the table on 15 points.

Asked about supporters’ dissatisfaction with Mbappe’s performances, Mourinho said: “If the fans really start jeering, it would be a great victory for you. Even big stories such as the Manchester City case, old legal cases, or the extremely difficult crisis in my country between Cristiano Ronaldo and his coach were not enough to satisfy the appetite of your profession.”

Mourinho said footballers remained accountable despite being capable of making mistakes.

“A footballer is a human being and can make mistakes, but he will always feel responsible,” he added. “I am not lying: during this period, Real Madrid’s players have been an example to follow in their behaviour. We monitored their rest, everyone who travelled followed the rules, and the injured players came to Valdebebas, underwent examinations and continued their recovery.”

He cited Arda Guler, who was injured in the team’s previous match, as an example of the support available to the squad.

“I was the one who gave Arda Guler two days off,” Mourinho said. “As for Mbappe, he was here, underwent examinations and sought a second medical opinion because he has a knee problem that cannot be ignored.”

Mourinho was also asked whether selection should be based on merit and centred on the players who were currently the fittest.

“Yes, merit matters, but there are ways to help a particular player,” he replied. “There are strategies to help them improve, and some players need time to return to their normal level.”

He said Vinicius Junior wanted to rediscover his best form and acknowledged the effect that his struggles were having on the forward.

“You are referring to Vinicius,” Mourinho said. “I am not hiding anything. He wants to be well and make a difference. It hurts me to see what he is feeling. He wants to be the Vini who brought all this happiness to the Real Madrid fans.”

Mourinho also provided an update on the injured players. Federico Valverde remains a doubt, while Eder Militao will miss Saturday’s game and the match against Roma. However, Mourinho said he was pleased by Militao’s progress in training and expected him to return in two weeks.

Ferland Mendy will train with the team for the first time, while Antonio Rudiger still requires more time.

“It is the first time Real Madrid have not suffered any injuries in October,” Mourinho said. “The injuries they have had date back to last season. It is a good story, but you do not like it.”