MADRID — On Thursday, Kylian Mbappé revealed that Álvaro Arbeloa had informed him he was the “fourth-choice forward” at Real Madrid—a statement that was later denied by the coach. This came after Mbappé was benched and subsequently whistled by fans during the team’s 2-0 victory against Real Oviedo.
Mbappé entered the match as a substitute in the 69th minute, taking the place of Gonzalo García, who had scored the opening goal. However, he was met with loud jeers from the Santiago Bernabéu crowd.
– France World Cup squad: Camavinga out, Mateta in
– Real Madrid calls elections following Pérez announcement
– Madrid president praises Mourinho, promises new signings
This match marked Madrid’s first home game since their rivals Barcelona claimed the championship, following a week that saw president Florentino Pérez announce plans for new presidential elections to gain support from club members.
“I’m feeling good, I’m 100%,” Mbappé told reporters after the match. He had missed the previous Sunday’s Clásico due to injury and started on the bench for the game against Oviedo. “The coach [Arbeloa] mentioned to me that I’m the fourth-choice forward, behind [Franco] Mastantuono, Vinícius [Júnior], and Gonzalo. I accept this and will make the most of the time I have on the pitch. I believe I performed well.
“I was ready to start. I’m not upset with the manager; respecting a coach’s decisions is crucial. I’ll put in the effort to earn my spot back in the lineup.”
Arbeloa was questioned about Mbappé’s remarks shortly after the match during his post-game news conference. “I wish I had four forwards,” he stated. “I don’t have four forwards, and I certainly didn’t say that to Mbappé. Maybe there was a misunderstanding on his part; I really don’t know how else to explain it. I cannot say he’s the fourth in line for playing time.
“As the coach, it’s my responsibility to determine who plays and who doesn’t. I had a discussion with him prior to the match, but a player who was unavailable just four days ago shouldn’t start a game now. This is not a final or a must-win situation. That’s all there is to it; I maintain no issues with anyone.”
Mbappé has received backlash from fans and the media after he was seen on a brief vacation while recuperating from a hamstring injury and failed to regain fitness in time for the Clásico. “I understand why Mbappé is unhappy not to be playing, but it was a decision based on the current circumstances,” Arbeloa said. “It was the most logical decision to make in this context.”
“If you wish, you can show me Kylian’s comments from the mixed zone, and we can discuss it,” he added. “I won’t comment on everything he said until I hear it myself. As long as I’m in this position, I will decide who plays.”
Mbappé insisted that his vacation was “approved by the club” and acknowledged he had to accept the fans’ disapproval. “It’s part of life,” he said. “You can’t change people’s opinions when they are upset. I shouldn’t take it personally; it’s part of being a Real Madrid player and a well-known athlete. They’re just not happy, and that’s how I interpret the whistles.”
Regarding Madrid’s disappointing season, which saw the team finish without a major trophy for the second consecutive year and the midseason replacement of coach Xabi Alonso with Arbeloa, Mbappé said, “We started the season well, but we lost everything during the latter half. That stings. It feels like we had a gameplay style and structure, and we lost that.
“I have a strong relationship with Xabi; everyone knows my thoughts on him. However, we must focus on what we can improve moving forward.
“There is no problem with Arbeloa. Each coach has their own ideas and philosophies. I need to work harder than Gonzalo, Mastantuono, and Vini to earn playing time.”
Madrid has two league matches remaining this season, one against Sevilla away and another at home against Athletic Club.