Mourinho Praises Kylian Mbappé:”Sometimes He Makes Me Laugh”

José Mourinho gave a wide-ranging interview to Josep Pedrerol on El Chiringuito, discussing his return to Real Madrid, the dressing room, Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior and the club’s transfer plans.

José Mourinho returned to Real Madrid this summer, 13 years after his first spell in charge. With the opening La Liga match against Espanyol approaching, the Portuguese coach explained how he has changed over the years and what he expects from his players.

“I have the same DNA”

Asked what had changed since he left Madrid, Mourinho admitted that experience has transformed him.

“A lot of things. As a person, as a coach… I’ve changed so much,” he said.

“I would say I still have the same DNA. Obviously, I can’t hide it or try to be someone I’m not. But I have much more maturity, I’m less emotional and more controlled. As always, I learn from my mistakes.”

Mourinho insisted that he does not believe in regretting the past.

“In life, regretting something that happened is useless. Learning from your experiences is important. In coaching, the more experience you have and the more situations you have already seen, the better you become.”

The Portuguese manager also jokingly explained the black eye he was sporting.

“It wasn’t because of a fight between Valverde and Tchouaméni,” he laughed. “It was poor Lacosta, a young Castilla player. He hit me in the face with the ball while I was wearing my glasses.”

Mourinho delighted with the dressing room

Despite reports of tension between some players last season, Mourinho says he has found a highly motivated squad.

“I found a dressing room that really wants to win. They are open to common sense because everything I have asked from them since day one is simply common sense.”

“So far, I have never needed to become that aggressive leader I can sometimes be. They have protected me from that version of myself because their behaviour has been impeccable.”

Mourinho explained that discipline is essential at Real Madrid.

“If I tell them to arrive an hour before training instead of five minutes before, that’s common sense. Modern football requires you to arrive early, have breakfast under the supervision of the nutritionist and work in the gym every day to prevent injuries.”

He also revealed that he often sleeps at Valdebebas because his family now spends much of its time in London.

“Mbappé makes me laugh because he’s too good”

Mourinho was particularly enthusiastic when discussing Kylian Mbappé.

“Mbappé is incredible. Sometimes he makes me laugh in training.”

Why?

“Because he’s too good! He’s at a stratospheric level.”

Mourinho refused to judge the Frenchman solely on last season, describing it as a complicated campaign for everyone at the club.

“I don’t accept that blame or praise should be given to only one person. Many people made mistakes last year, not just the coaches or the players.”

🚨 MOURINHO, con @jpedrerol sobre MBAPPÉ en EXCLUSIVA:

🌟 "Me hace reír en los entrenamientos…

… porque es DEMASIADO BUENO". 🌟 pic.twitter.com/JdR77Kg3Bi

— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) August 18, 2026

Instead, Mourinho prefers to focus on Mbappé’s current attitude.

“He could have returned on August 14, but he came back on the 12th. That already tells me something. He wanted to play against Schalke and be in the best possible condition.”

“He trains like everyone else, with the same commitment and the same desire to improve.”

Mourinho also defended Mbappé and Jude Bellingham after both had previously been whistled by sections of the Santiago Bernabéu crowd.

“We all have to become more of a team. Their numbers are incredible. What they both did at the World Cup was incredible. Bellingham had an amazing tournament, but Mbappé made history.”

Mourinho considers the transfer window closed

Asked whether Real Madrid still need reinforcements, Mourinho was clear.

“No.”

Does that mean there will be no more signings?

“I’m not saying there won’t be because the transfer market is still open. But if you ask me whether, for me, it is closed, then yes. It is closed.”

Mourinho also dismissed the idea that he regrets missing out on Rodri.

“I don’t miss Rodri. We have solutions, we have quality. I like to believe I have the ability to improve players — that a player who is one thing today can become something different tomorrow.”

The conversation then turned toward another major topic surrounding the Madrid dressing room: Rodrygo and his future at the club.

“Have you spoken with Rodrygo?” Mourinho was finally asked.