Mourinho Confronts Mbappé

José Mourinho has reportedly confronted Kylian Mbappé over his recent behaviour at Real Madrid, with the Portuguese manager allegedly telling his star player that he would not protect him inside the dressing room.

According to Spanish journalist Pipi Estrada on El Chiringuito, Mourinho spoke privately with Mbappé during breakfast on Tuesday.

Estrada claims Mourinho reprimanded the French forward and made it clear that there would be a difference between how he treats him publicly and privately.

Mourinho reportedly told Mbappé: “Outside I will defend you, here I will not defend you.”

The reported confrontation comes after growing criticism of Mbappé in Spain.

The Real Madrid forward has faced questions over his behaviour during the international break after suffering a knee problem with France. His cycling trip in Switzerland and subsequent trips to Paris have also attracted criticism from sections of the Spanish media and Real Madrid supporters.

Estrada also claimed Mourinho used an expletive while reprimanding Mbappé, although the exact wording of that part of the alleged conversation has not been independently verified.

There is an interesting contrast to Mourinho's previous public comments about Mbappé.

In August, the Real Madrid manager described the Frenchman as an extraordinary player and praised his attitude since joining the squad.

That makes the reported conversation particularly interesting.

Mourinho appears willing to publicly defend his biggest star while still demanding accountability from him privately — if Estrada's account is accurate.

With Mbappé now back in training and expected to return to action soon, all eyes will be on how the relationship between the two develops.

Mourinho may have just made one thing clear: being Real Madrid's biggest star does not mean being above the manager's rules.