“I promise the Bernabéu that if a Real Madrid player does not behave as a Real Madrid player should, fails in his duties as a player or as a citizen, you will not see that player on the bench,” Mourinho said.
“You will not be able to boo him because he will be at home. Mbappé will play. He will not even be on the bench. I am sure he has not failed in his obligations to Real Madrid.”
The coach was responding to questions about the scrutiny surrounding Mbappé after the striker was pictured at a private fashion event in Paris and riding a bicycle in Switzerland during his rehabilitation.
Mourinho rejected the suggestion that either activity demonstrated a lack of professionalism, explaining that the Frenchman had undergone medical assessments before seeking a second opinion.
“Mbappé has been here, he was diagnosed and he went for a second opinion because there is something in his knee that cannot be overlooked,” he said. “There was complete agreement between both diagnoses. The details of the recovery are not something you need to know.”
The Portuguese then took aim at the coverage of the forward's movements, arguing that ordinary activities had been presented as controversies.
“Then we enter the realm of looking for problems,” Mourinho said. “First, it was the nightclub that wasn't a nightclub. It was a nightclub transformed for Paris Fashion Week for a private event.
“Then the bicycle, which was simply at a hotel with a couple of bikes to get to the spa and the common areas, in a hotel of absolute tranquillity.”
He also referenced defender Dean Huijsen, who had reportedly attracted criticism after being seen in a car outside a teammate's home.
“And we arrive at minor cases, like poor Huijsen, who was parked outside Thiago's house sending a message and suddenly became almost a criminal,” Mourinho said.
“It's ridiculous.”
Mourinho believes the attention surrounding Madrid has become excessive and suggested the media were trying to create a situation in which supporters would turn against Mbappé.
“The Madrid is the Madrid, and there always has to be something,” he said. “I was expecting the first question to be the only one about the match. A difficult match that has to be won. It seems ridiculous to me.”
The manager maintained that discipline would apply to every player, regardless of reputation, but said he had no reason to punish Mbappé.
His message was unequivocal: the striker has met the club's expectations and will be available against Villarreal.