Mourinho defends Mbappe as ‘ridiculous’ criticism mounts before Villarreal test

Jose Mourinho has described criticism of Kylian Mbappe as “ridiculous” and backed the Real Madrid forward to have fulfilled his responsibilities while recovering from a left knee injury.

Mbappe, the France captain, has been questioned over his decision to recuperate in France and Switzerland rather than remain in Madrid after sustaining the injury during France’s UEFA Nations League match against Turkey.

Images of the 27-year-old outside a Paris nightclub and riding a bicycle in Switzerland led to further criticism from some supporters. That reaction intensified after Mourinho had warned his players against activities including cycling and skiing because of the potential risk of injury.

But Mourinho said Mbappe had followed the club’s requirements and had not neglected his duties.

“Are these criticisms over the top? They are ridiculous,” Mourinho said at his press conference.

“All the players who were obliged to be present every day for their recovery were here. Mbappe came, like the others, to undergo scans in order to be diagnosed.

“He then went to see a specialist in France, because he has history with his knee which we cannot ignore.”

Mourinho also disputed the way Mbappe’s activities away from football had been portrayed. He said the gathering in Paris was a private Fashion Week function, rather than a visit to a nightclub.

The Real Madrid coach also rejected suggestions that Mbappe had exposed himself to unnecessary danger by cycling in Switzerland. He explained that bicycles were supplied by the hotel so guests could travel between their accommodation and communal areas.

Mourinho said he was satisfied that Mbappe had met his obligations to Real Madrid and played down concerns that the striker could receive a hostile reception from the club’s supporters.

The issue has emerged at a challenging point in Madrid’s season. They trail rivals Barcelona by seven points in the La Liga title race and face Villarreal on Saturday.

Mbappe has previously been criticised by sections of the Real Madrid support. Last month, the Ultras Sur supporters’ group objected to his participation in a gesture of solidarity with residents of Ceuta.

Ceuta, the Spanish territory in North Africa, has been dealing with a migration crisis.