Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid coach
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
Jose Mourinho has defended Kylian Mbappe amid the controversy surrounding the Real Madrid forward’s private life, dismissing the criticism as “ridiculous” and insisting the Frenchman has fulfilled his responsibilities to the club.
Speaking ahead of Real Madrid’s clash against Villarreal, Mourinho addressed the scrutiny surrounding Mbappe’s recovery from a knee problem, his recent activities away from Madrid and the possibility of a hostile reaction at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Portuguese coach also discussed Yan Diomande’s potential role, the team’s preparations after the international break and several injury concerns.
Mourinho dismisses Mbappe controversy
Mourinho began by acknowledging the difficulty of preparing for Villarreal, describing the opposition as a Champions League-calibre side while highlighting the challenges caused by international commitments.
“The opposition are Champions League calibre. They play very well.
“After losing the last match, we need to pick up points. Preparation isn’t easy.
Mourinho has defended Kylian Mbappe. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
“Villarreal aren’t in the same situation as us, but they’ve also had players on international duty. It hasn’t been the perfect week for them either.”
Asked about the growing controversy surrounding Mbappe, Mourinho suggested that the media had been unable to resist creating another major story around Real Madrid.
“If this happens, it’ll be a huge victory for you lot. Not even massive stories like the City one or the difficult situation in my country with Cristiano and his manager.
“So many stories that could have fuelled your work, but it hasn’t been enough. Real Madrid is Real Madrid, and you always have to make something of it.
“I expected the first one to be the only one based on something real. A difficult match. Yours is the first… But here we are.”
Asked whether the fuss had become excessive, he replied: “Over the top? It’s ridiculous.”
Mourinho then explained why he believes footballers remain accountable for their conduct away from the pitch.
“For me, a player is a player 24/7. Anything important or negative he does privately always has repercussions.
“I always maintain that a player will always be a human being. A man who can make mistakes, but who has a sense of responsibility.
“Everything was perfectly defined. Everyone has complied. The injured players come to Valdebebas immediately. They have their diagnoses, recovery plans…
“Players like Arda, who was suspended for the fourth match, I gave him two unscheduled days off. Players with serious injuries have been here every day. Valverde, Konate.
“The example of Mbappe. He’s been here, he’s had a diagnosis. He went to an outpatient appointment because his knee has a history that can’t be forgotten. Complete agreement between diagnoses.
“And then, there’s the realm of problem-finding. The real problems that football has had these past couple of weeks haven’t been enough, so there’s this search for problems.
“First, the nightclub that wasn’t a nightclub. Because it was a venue for a private event during Paris Fashion Week. Then, the bicycle in Switzerland, which was a hotel with small houses. They were bicycles for getting around to common areas in a quiet hotel. And it seems he was doing the Tour de Suisse.”
Mourinho backs Mbappe and addresses possible Bernabeu reaction
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid
Mourinho confirms Mbappe will play against Villarreal. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)
With supporters potentially expressing their frustration, Mourinho refused to endorse the criticism and insisted that players who fail to fulfil their obligations would not be protected from consequences.
“This is one of your objectives. You don’t need to be Einstein to realise that this is the objective. As for the person I’d rather not mention – I may be wrong – but he is one of the targets.
“As for the Bernabeu, I won’t comment. Out of respect. My hope is that the Bernabeu will be able to be fair. To be fair is to be intelligent. Reading between the lines and understanding the dynamics.
“I promise that if a Real Madrid player doesn’t behave like a Real Madrid player and fails as a Real Madrid player – if he doesn’t fulfil his obligations as a player or as a citizen – you won’t see that player on the bench. You won’t be able to boo him.
“He’ll be at home. I won’t give him the chance to sit on the bench. Mbappe is going to play. He won’t even be on the bench. I’m sure he hasn’t failed in his obligations to Real Madrid.”
Mourinho was also asked whether Yan Diomande could start alongside Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. He declined to reveal his selection but stressed that Madrid must maintain their tactical balance.
“I won’t tell you whether he’ll play or not. I don’t lie, and I’m not going to say who’s going to play.
“Real Madrid can field any of the players in the squad up front. We’ve got plenty of quality players. They can’t all play together.
“If you want four forwards, they can. Against Elche, we played with six in the final minutes. But in a balanced situation where risks are managed, we can’t play with seven of them together. We can’t play with all of them.”
Mourinho provides Real Madrid injury update
The Madrid manager also explained how he had planned the squad’s return following the international break, taking into account travel, playing time and recovery.
“I spent two or three days in a row after the last match trying to analyse the possible details, so as not to get bogged down in the obvious.
Federico Valverde of Real Madrid
Federico Valverde is a doubt for Villarreal clash. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
“I’ve planned the squad’s arrival in detail. Some arrive on Tuesday or Wednesday; some play, others don’t; one’s jet-lagged, another hasn’t slept… It’s complex.
“We’re working very well in terms of organisation. We could have an injury within ten minutes, but the fact that we don’t have any injuries isn’t something we forget here. A lot has changed and we’re handling it well. We’re preparing for the future as best we can.”
Asked whether the second half of the season would bring significant tactical changes, Mourinho said the team needed gradual improvement rather than an immediate overhaul.
“In this first period, we’ve found many good things and things to improve. It doesn’t mean we have to change drastically.
“I can’t just arrive with one or two days and say, ‘Let’s start playing with five at the back, four in midfield, and change the full-back.’
Real Madrid is coming off a difficult period. What for others would be a normal situation. We need time to improve things. There are things that improve gradually, and we’re doing that.”
Finally, Mourinho confirmed that Federico Valverde remained a doubt, while Eder Militao would not feature despite encouraging progress in training.
“Fede is a doubt. Militao isn’t a doubt, but he won’t be playing. But watching him train the way he does, we’ve never trained with just five players.
“If you didn’t know about Militao’s problems, you’d put him in tomorrow. He’s better than I thought. He won’t be playing tomorrow, nor in Rome, nor against Sevilla. He needs a couple of weeks.
“His medical history is quite serious, and we have to be careful.
“Ferland Mendy will train on the pitch with us for the first time. Rodrygo is still a way off. As for Valverde, the issue has carried over until today. We’ll decide today about tomorrow,” he concluded.
Source: AS
Real Madrid handed potential transfer boost as Arsenal midfielder considering January exit
Martin Zubimendi, Arsenal and Spain player
Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images
Real Madrid could have an opportunity to strengthen their midfield in January, with Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi emerging as a potential target amid questions over his role at the Emirates Stadium.
According to Bernabeu Digital, the Spanish international could consider leaving the Gunners if his playing time does not improve, opening the door for Real Madrid to explore a move.
The possibility is particularly relevant for a Real Madrid side still seeking the right profile to organise play and control matches from midfield.
However, Zubimendi’s potential availability and Madrid’s level of interest remain dependent on how the situation develops in the coming months.
Zubimendi’s Arsenal role comes under scrutiny
Zubimendi joined Arsenal after leaving Real Sociedad in 2025, choosing Mikel Arteta’s project despite interest from other clubs, including Real Madrid.
Martin Zubimendi, Arsenal player
Zubimendi is open to leaving Arsenal in January. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
His arrival initially generated expectations that he would become an important part of Arsenal’s midfield, but Bruno Guimaraes’ signing from Newcastle United has added competition for the Spaniard.
Notably, Real Madrid have made enquiries about the midfielder’s situation in the past, and Arsenal could be willing to consider his departure if the player himself requests a move, potentially creating an opening during the winter transfer window.
For now, though, there is no agreement or any indication that a January transfer is close to completion.
Much will depend on whether Zubimendi’s position at Arsenal changes before the window opens and whether Madrid decide to turn their interest into a concrete offer.
Why Zubimendi could fit Real Madrid’s midfield plans
Martin Zubimendi, Arsenal player
Real Madrid could get a chance to sign Zubimendi. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Real Madrid’s interest would make sense from a squad-building perspective.
Zubimendi offers a profile centred on positioning, passing and controlling the tempo, qualities that the team has severely lacked this season.
Furthermore, Real Madrid’s previous pursuit of Rodri also explains their interest in adding a specialist who can provide greater structure in central midfield.
Indeed, Zubimendi would not be a like-for-like replacement for every player in the squad, but his skill set could offer a strong tactical option.