The atmosphere surrounding Real Madrid is increasingly tense following the latest issue involving Kylian Mbappe and manager Alvaro Arbeloa after their win against Real Oviedo.
What began as a straightforward tactical choice has escalated into one of the hottest topics in Spanish football after Mbappe openly discussed his role in the team publicly.
Advertisement
In a move that fueled the controversy, Arbeloa publicly disputed some aspects of the French star’s account.
Now, journalist Juanma Castano has shed more light on the situation on El Partidazo de COPE, indicating that Arbeloa’s management of Mbappe during the match was likely intentional.
What’s the story?
Castano reported that the Real Madrid coach deliberately chose not to start Mbappe due to a hostile atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Mbappe entered the game as a substitute in the second half. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
“He brought him on in the 69th minute, and that was the end of it,” he noted.
Advertisement
Castano further indicated that the manager was likely attempting to shield the French forward from facing backlash from the fans.
“If he’d started him today, Mbappe would have been booed within his first three touches.”
It’s worth mentioning that during the match, the decision to substitute Gonzalo Garcia, one of the few players receiving genuine support from the crowd, only heightened the tension.
Arbeloa aimed to shield Mbappe from criticism. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
According to Castano, Mbappe realized the negative atmosphere and chose to address it publicly after the match concluded.
Advertisement
Tensions towards Mbappe
The fans’ reaction at the Bernabeu during the match was a clear indicator that Mbappe’s rapport with part of the crowd is becoming increasingly strained.
The Frenchman faced significant booing during the game, particularly when he entered the field in the second half.
Every touch he made was met with audible discontent from an agitated crowd, still seething over his recent decisions, including a vacation to Sardinia during his recovery and his absence in the disappointing Clásico defeat against Barcelona.