Despite Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Real Oviedo on Thursday, post-match discussions have shifted away from the game’s outcome to comments made by Kylian Mbappe in the Bernabeu mixed zone.
Mbappe asserted that Alvaro Arbeloa had told him he was the team’s fourth-choice forward, ranking behind Vinicius Junior, Gonzalo Garcia, and Franco Mastantuono. However, the Real Madrid head coach firmly refuted these statements when speaking to the media, as reported by Diario AS.
“I wish I had four forwards. I don’t know what to say. I don’t have four forwards, and I did not say that phrase (to Mbappe). You must not have understood me correctly; I really don’t know what to say.
“If I don’t play him, he can’t play. I make the decisions; I am the coach. I’ve spoken with him before, and I don’t know what he might have interpreted. Today he didn’t start because it wasn’t a life-or-death situation; we have a game on Sunday, and he will certainly be the starting striker (against Sevilla). Seven days later, he will still be the starting striker. I understand that those who don’t play are not happy. I can understand that he is not happy, but it is a decision based on the circumstances. I didn’t want to take any risks. It was the most logical, common-sense approach.”
Arbeloa Acknowledges Tensions with Real Madrid Players
In response to Mbappe’s remarks, Arbeloa confirmed that he has also experienced difficulties with other Real Madrid players, corroborating recent reports.
“This hasn’t only happened with Kylian but with many other players. These are situations that arise due to the circumstances, and they have been different from those with other coaches at the club. I have a clear conscience; I will do the best I can. It doesn’t matter to me; I will do what I deem appropriate until the last day.”
Arbeloa: Real Madrid Players Are Entitled to Be Ungrateful
Arbeloa was also questioned about whether he felt Real Madrid players had been ungrateful regarding their demands.
“I don’t expect from my players what I gave for them; I know how we players are. I know how they think, especially players of this caliber. I am able to understand everything. I wouldn’t change a single thing I’ve done or said.”
