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Mourinho buries the hatchet with Mbappé and advocates for de-escalation

October 31, 2026 Source: Ouest-France Article written with AI assistance

Real Madrid coach José Mourinho stated on Saturday that the controversy surrounding Kylian Mbappé's statements now belonged to the past.

José Mourinho wanted to turn the page on the media controversy surrounding Kylian Mbappé. Saturday, on the eve of Real Madrid's trip to play at Racing de Santander's pitch, the Portuguese coach stated that the matter was closed on his end.

« As far as we're concerned, the matter is closed, » Mourinho hammered home during his press conference. The Madrid coach thus displayed his desire for de-escalation, refusing to elaborate further on a subject that has fueled discussions in the football world in recent days.

This statement comes as Mbappé's remarks had provoked strong reactions in the football world. The French player, now wearing Real Madrid's colors, had been at the center of a media storm regarding his recent public statements.

By choosing to publicly close the debate, Mourinho is adopting the posture of a manager keen on preserving his squad's focus. The Portuguese, known for his sometimes controversial character, demonstrates here an ability to master press exchanges and protect his dressing room from external agitations.

This stance comes at a crucial period of the season for the Madrid club. With several important matches ahead, the Portuguese coach seems intent on refocusing attention on sporting performances rather than off-field controversies.

It remains to be seen whether this de-escalation strategy will bear fruit. In modern football, where every statement is analyzed and multiplied across social networks, the ability to divert attention and keep players focused on the pitch represents a major challenge for top-level coaches.

Source: Ouest-France