Champions League arrives with Mbappé on edge and Mourinho tetchy | OneFootball

The Champions League returns to the Bernabéu with Kylian Mbappé prickly at Valdebebas and Mourinho sounding tetchy on the eve of Real Madrid’s meeting with Inter.

Madrid head in after their first defeat of the season, with Mbappé rarely fronting up and still carrying the Sevilla hangover of a missed penalty and other chances against Betis. According to Superdeporte, he pushed back at reporters with barbed counter questions about defensive work with Vinícius, supposed dressing-room improvement, and whether he should stop scoring once he hits 40 goals.

Asked about Vinícius and his status, he kept it cool, saying only that they share the aim of helping Madrid win matches and titles. He also underlined that he is captain for France, not at Real Madrid. His irritation eased only when the Ballon d’Or came up.

Mourinho spoke before Mbappé, contrary to the usual Champions routine, and even veered into the refereeing in Sevilla when asked about something else. His briefing ended surreally when someone handed him a garden sprinkler. He took questions in Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and English, and said calling his players naive was a statement, not a criticism, adding that this would be understood tomorrow.

Madrid face Inter with a gap in midfield after the failed move for Rodri. Pre-season solutions involved Arda Guler and Bernardo Silva, both suspended, with Camavinga also unavailable, so options include Valverde with Tchoumeni in a double pivot, Bellingham or Brahim redeployed, Trent stepping inside, or the gamble of youngster Sergio Martínez. He offered no hints and is guarding against leaks, not wishing to tip off Chivu’s Inter, Chivu having played under him.

Inter arrive buoyed by a 3-2 comeback against Napoli at San Siro, having trailed 0-2 early in the second half. Lautaro Martínez struck on 56 minutes and again in added time, with Marcus Thuram scoring the other, and the visitors travel with confidence while the Bernabéu feels oddly tense.

Source: Superdeporte

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