Mourinho dismisses criticism of Mbappe during international break

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has defended Kylian Mbappe after the France captain was criticised for his activities during the international break. Mbappe left the national team after suffering an injury against Turkey on 25 September, then appeared at a Paris Fashion Week event and was photographed riding a bicycle.

Mourinho said the criticism did not reflect a breach of the player’s responsibilities to Real Madrid. He argued that the bicycle image from Switzerland had been misunderstood, since guests at Mbappe’s hotel complex could use bicycles for short journeys. Mourinho added that any player failing to meet the club’s standards would not be selected.

Mbappe, 27, could return for Real Madrid if he has fulfilled his obligations. The club sit six points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona after seven matches. Mbappe scored 42 goals in 44 games last season without winning a trophy, while his 10-goal World Cup campaign earned him the Golden Boot and took his tournament total to a record 22 goals. France finished fourth.

ColdMath take

Mbappe’s availability for Real Madrid’s next match will depend on his fitness and compliance with club expectations. Madrid need to close a six-point gap to Barcelona after seven league games.

His return would restore one of Europe’s most productive forwards to a team still seeking its first trophy of the previous season’s campaign.