José Mourinho has been left seriously impressed by Kylian Mbappé after getting the chance to work with the Real Madrid star in training.
The Portuguese coach had plenty of praise for the French forward, describing his level as “stratospheric” and admitting that Mbappé’s quality can even make him laugh during training sessions.
“He’s really incredible. He makes me laugh in training because he’s too good,” Mourinho said.
It is a strong endorsement from a manager who has spent much of his career working with some of the biggest names in football. Mourinho has coached players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Didier Drogba and Eden Hazard, but his early impression of Mbappé appears to have been particularly striking.
Mourinho impressed by Mbappé's quality
Mbappé's ability is hardly a secret. The Frenchman has established himself as one of the world's leading attackers through his pace, finishing, movement and ability to create chances for himself and his teammates.
But Mourinho's comments offer an insight into what the forward looks like from a coach's perspective, particularly during everyday training.
Rather than simply praising Mbappé's reputation, Mourinho focused on what he has seen first-hand.
The Real Madrid manager also pointed to Mbappé's attitude. According to Mourinho, the forward has shown a strong desire to work and improve, something the coach clearly values as he prepares the squad for the season ahead.
That combination of natural ability and willingness to work is exactly what Mourinho will want from one of the most important players in his team.
High expectations at Real Madrid
There is naturally enormous pressure on Mbappé at Real Madrid. The French star arrived at the club with expectations that come with being one of football's biggest names, and every performance is closely watched.
Mourinho, however, appears more interested in what Mbappé can do going forward than in dwelling on previous criticism.
The manager has also defended Mbappé and Jude Bellingham from excessive criticism, stressing that football is a team sport and that difficult periods cannot simply be blamed on one or two players.
For Mbappé, having the confidence of his manager will be important as he looks to continue establishing himself as a key figure at the Santiago Bernabéu.
And if Mourinho's assessment from training is anything to go by, the Portuguese coach believes Real Madrid have a player capable of doing something very special.
“His level is just stratospheric,” Mourinho said of Mbappé.
For a manager with Mourinho's experience, that is quite the compliment.