Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe has described Jose Mourinho as one of the smartest people he has ever met.
The Real Madrid forward was speaking about his experiences working with some of football’s leading coaches, including Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa and Mourinho.
Mbappe said he had learned something from each of them but admitted his relationship with Mourinho was different.
“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,” Mbappe said.
“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.”
Mbappe added that working closely with Mourinho had given him an even greater appreciation of the coach’s qualities.
“I knew that before he arrived, but when you work with him every day, you realise what a special person and legendary coach he is,” he said.
“He’s someone who has defined an era and will continue to do so with us. I’m sure of it.”
The France international was also asked about criticism that he is primarily a goalscorer rather than an all-round forward.
Mbappe said he accepts that football brings different opinions but remains open to constructive discussions about his game.
“That’s their opinion. Over the years I’ve learned that everyone in soccer has an opinion, and you have to accept that,” he said.
“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 criticise. But when someone wants to talk soccer with structure and ideas behind their arguments, I’m always open to that discussion.”
Mbappe was also asked whether he feels more comfortable playing alongside Vinicius Junior or Jude Bellingham.
Rather than choosing one teammate, he highlighted the different qualities available to Real Madrid in attack.
“They’re very different players. They do completely different things on the field,” Mbappe said.
“In some aspects of the game, it’s easier with Jude. In others, it’s Vini, or Arda Guler, Brahim Diaz, Yan Diomande, Carlos Espi…”
Mbappe also backed Espi to make a significant impact this season.
“Espi is going to score a lot of goals this season. He has a real knack for finding the net,” he said.
Real Madrid’s next challenge is a La Liga meeting with Atletico Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Sunday, with Mbappe set to be one of the key figures in the Madrid derby.
