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Kylian Mbappé opened up about his current campaign at Real Madrid in an interview with Diario AS published Thursday night, offering a candid assessment of his working relationship with head coach José Mourinho.
The French forward didn’t hold back when discussing the influence Mourinho has had on him since joining the club. Mbappé placed the veteran coach alongside three other figures who have shaped his career at the Bernabéu, drawing a clear distinction in how he views Mourinho’s impact.
“All four of Ancelotti, Alonso, Arbeloa and Mourinho are important figures in the game. It’s always a privilege to be part of their journeys. I learned things from each of them because they all see soccer differently. They’re winners, and you always learn from winners. But it’s true that with Mourinho, it’s different. He’s one of the smartest people I’ve ever met. A true leader. I knew that before he arrived, but when you work with him every day, you realize what a special person and legendary coach he is. He’s someone who has defined an era and will continue to do so with us. I’m sure of it.”
Mbappé also addressed persistent criticism that labels him purely as a finisher, someone who lacks range beyond scoring goals. His response revealed a player comfortable with scrutiny and open to genuine debate.
“That’s their opinion. Over the years I’ve learned that everyone in soccer has an opinion, and you have to accept that. Sometimes people see the game the way you do; sometimes they don’t. There isn’t just one way to play soccer. There are millions of ways. That’s why I’m always willing to listen. Some people simply want to provoke or criticize. But when someone wants to talk soccer with structure and ideas behind their arguments, I’m always open to that discussion. You can learn from it as well.”
Vinicius, Bellingham and the Wider Squad
Asked to compare his chemistry with Vinicius Júnior against his connection with Jude Bellingham, Mbappé refused to pick a favorite, instead pointing to the tactical variety each teammate brings to the pitch.
“They’re very different players. They do completely different things on the field. In some aspects of the game, it’s easier with Jude. In others, it’s Vini, or Arda Güler, Brahim Díaz, Yan Diomande, Carlos Espí… Espí is going to score a lot of goals this season. He has a real knack for finding the net.”
The mention of Carlos Espí stands out. Mbappé’s willingness to single out a squad player for praise reflects the kind of dressing room awareness that often goes unnoticed from the outside. It also hints at a squad depth Mourinho can call upon as the season develops.
What This Means for Madrid’s Season
Mbappé’s comments paint a picture of a squad with layered leadership and tactical flexibility. Mourinho’s arrival has clearly left an impression, and Mbappé’s willingness to credit him alongside Ancelotti, Alonso and Arbeloa suggests a coaching influence that extends beyond tactics into mentality.
The forward’s openness to criticism, paired with his confidence in the squad’s attacking options, signals a player settled into his role at the club. With Vinicius, Bellingham, Güler, Brahim and now Espí all in the mix, Madrid’s attacking rotation looks deep heading into the rest of the campaign.
Read also: Mbappe Branded ‘Selfish’ After Penalty Miss Seals Real Madrid’s Shock Defeat to Betis
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