Goals are not enough! Mourinho sets a ruthless condition for his superstar
Kylian Mbappé has already started terrorising La Liga defences, but José Mourinho expects much more than spectacular individual numbers.
Details: Speaking after Real Madrid's 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad, Mourinho was asked how many goals Mbappé could score this season. The Portuguese coach refused to set a specific target, saying he would prefer the French forward to finish with 40 goals and trophies rather than reach 60 while the team ends the campaign without silverware.
Mourinho stressed that his words were not intended as criticism of Mbappé. The Madrid boss praised the forward's technical qualities, attitude and growing sense of responsibility within the dressing room. He also highlighted that the Frenchman returned from his holiday two days early, an apparently small detail that the coach viewed as proof of his hunger and commitment. Mbappé had just scored a hat-trick against Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabéu, helping Los Blancos secure their second victory in two league matches and moving to the top of La Liga's scoring chart. Mourinho nevertheless made it clear that goals must be accompanied by work for the team, insisting that 40 goals with a major contribution to collective play would mean more than 60 scored by a forward focused only on personal statistics.
The challenge reflects the pressure surrounding Real Madrid after two consecutive seasons without a major trophy. Mbappé arrived at the Bernabéu to become the central figure of a new winning era, and Mourinho now wants the forward to lead with pressing, responsibility and decisive performances in the biggest matches. It's worth noting that the Portuguese coach is familiar with extraordinary scoring standards: during his previous spell in Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo scored 46 league goals in the same 2011/12 campaign in which Lionel Messi reached a record 50.
Reminder: Incredible! Mbappé scores his first hat-trick of the season!
Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
