Jose Mourinho Defends Real Madrid Star Kylian Mbappe From the Media

As he so often is, Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho was in fine form during his Friday lunchtime press conference ahead of Saturday’s night’s game at home to Villarreal.

He was consistently answering questions with confidence and with a chip on his shoulder. He did not shy away from any tough questions (other than who will start tomorrow) and was quite scathing of the media at one point.

Indeed so, when speaking about Kylian Mbappe, the 63 year old said: “Mbappe is a human. It’s ridiculous that everything for you is about him.

When the Bernabeu boos him, it’s a victory for you [the media]. I thought you were going to ask me about important topics. Like Man City or the one you don't like to talk about (Negreira).”

So, no beating around the bush from Mourinho, bringing up City’s charges and Negreira. He wasn’t asked about those two situations, instead bringing them up in his defence of Mbappe.

And you know what? Fair enough. The gaffer is often criticised for not defending his own players, and for being too harsh on them in public. Well, in this occasion, he is rather passionately coming to the defence of one of his own players, and a key one at that. So listen, fair play. 

So far, it has been a good start to their working relationship together, with Mbappe scoring eight goals and providing two assists in eight games so far. Let's hope for more of the same tomorrow.

It was not just the Frenchman he defended in the press conference either, he had some kind and supportive words for fellow forward and star player, Vinicius Jr, who everyone can see is clearly going through a tough time of it at the moment.

Indeed so, with Mourinho saying the following: "What makes me sad is that he [Vinicius] really, really wants to be the best version of himself. It makes me so sad feeling the pain he feels himself. He is an amazing guy who works very hard to get back to his absolute best. 

He is human and gets affected by what people say. He deserves better treatment because of everything he has achieved for this club." Some kind words from the boss there, who is clearly steering away from his previous "tough love" approach with players, adapting to the modern dressing room and is instead now trying to praise his players back into form.

Let’s hope these words of encouragement can help boost his confidence and he can get on the scoresheet against Villarreal on Saturday. Despite being match day eight of the season, it feels like an absolute must win game for the team. Let’s wait and see. It would certainly go down very well with everyone at Real Madrid if the Brazilian could end his goal drought.