Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has pushed back against media reports of a rift between himself and Kylian Mbappe, arguing that journalists are manufacturing controversy where little exists.

The fallout began during the recent international break, when Mbappe — already nursing a knee injury — drew attention for two separate incidents: an alleged visit to a Paris nightclub and a photograph of himself on a bicycle in Switzerland, which circulated widely online.

Mourinho sets the record straight

Speaking at a press conference, Mourinho confirmed that Mbappe had returned to the club for medical assessment following his injury. "[Mbappe] came here after the injury and was diagnosed," he said, adding that the forward had undergone "an outpatient consultation" for the knee problem.

Mourinho was pointed in his criticism of the coverage. "There's a hunt for problems," he said. "As if the real problems football has faced in recent weeks weren't enough."

He went on to address both incidents directly. "First, the nightclub that wasn't a nightclub — it was a venue for a private Paris Fashion Week event. Then, the bicycle incident in Switzerland, at a hotel made up of small cabins. The bicycles were simply there to get around the communal areas of a quiet hotel, yet it was made to look as though he was riding in the Tour de Suisse."

A promise to the Bernabeu

The 63-year-old urged Real Madrid supporters to approach such stories with scepticism. He asked Madridistas to "read between the lines" and "be fair and intelligent" when consuming media reports about their star striker.

Mourinho also issued a firm pledge to the club's fanbase. "I promise the Bernabeu that when a player doesn't behave like a Real Madrid player 24 hours a day and doesn't fulfil his obligations, you won't see that player on the pitch or on the bench — he'll be on the bench," he said. "Mbappe will play tomorrow, and that's because I'm sure he hasn't let Real Madrid down."

Real Madrid's early-season struggles

The backdrop to this saga is a difficult opening to the La Liga campaign for Real Madrid, who sit fourth after seven matches. They have already suffered defeats to Real Betis and city rivals Atletico Madrid, both of whom sit above them in the standings.

Barcelona lead the table with a perfect seven wins from seven games and 24 goals scored, and they also opened their UEFA Champions League campaign with a commanding victory over PSV at Camp Nou.

Meanwhile, reports have linked the Ballon d'Or contender Mbappe — valued at €200 million by Transfermarkt — with a potential move to Liverpool, adding further speculation around his future at the club.