Overview
- Mourinho publicly defended Kylian Mbappé on Friday and confirmed the forward will start at the Santiago Bernabéu against Villarreal.
- He said Mbappé underwent medical checks, sought a second opinion for a left-knee posterior-capsule overstretch sustained with France, and has been rehabbing since leaving the national squad.
- Mourinho dismissed criticism of off-field photos as misreadings, saying a Paris appearance was a private fashion event and Swiss cycling images showed hotel bikes used between guest areas.
- The coach warned that any Real player who fails to meet club standards will be left off the bench or kept at home, framing the statement as both protection for individuals and enforcement of discipline.
- Separately, Mourinho mocked the drawn-out disciplinary process facing Manchester City after Premier League findings of financial breaches, and he referenced past refereeing scandals to contextualize his comments.