Alvaro Arbeloa addressed Kylian Mbappe's comments about being the fourth-choice striker, stating he wishes he had four strikers. He emphasized that he makes the decisions as the coach and that Mbappe will start in the next match.
Key points
Alvaro Arbeloa is the head coach of Real Madrid.
He commented on Kylian Mbappe's remarks about being the fourth-choice striker.
Arbeloa stated he makes the final decisions on player selections.
He expressed confidence in Mbappe and Vinicius to regain fan support.
Mentioned in this story
Real Madrid
Kylian MbappeViniciusSanti Cazorla
MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 14: Alvaro Arbeloa, Head Coach of Real Madrid, looks on prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Real Oviedo at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on May 14, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 14: Alvaro Arbeloa, Head Coach of Real Madrid, looks on prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Real Oviedo at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on May 14, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Alvaro Arbeloa spoke to the media after Real Madridās 2-0 win over Real Oviedo. He was asked about Kylian Mbappeās comments about him being the fourth-choice striker, to which he said: āI wish I had four strikers. I donāt know what to say. I donāt have four strikers, and I didnāt say that. He probably didnāt understand me; Iām not really sure what to say.ā
Arbeloa on whether there is a problem between them
āIf I donāt play him, he canāt play. I decide; Iām the coach. I spoke with him earlier, and I donāt know how he might have interpreted it. He shouldnāt have started today because itās not a matter of life or death. We have a match on Sunday, and heāll definitely be the starting striker. Seven days later, heāll have earned his place as the starting striker. I decide who plays. I understand that whoever isnāt playing isnāt happy. I can understand that heās not happy, but itās a decision based on the circumstances. I didnāt want to take any risks. It was the most logical, common-sense thing to do.ā
Arbeloa on Mbappe saying they lost their structure
āIf youād like, you can show me the press conference and we can discuss it. I think it would be good if he thought that; heās probably scored many more goals in the first half of the season than in the second.ā
Q&A
What did Alvaro Arbeloa say about Kylian Mbappe's comments?
Alvaro Arbeloa expressed confusion over Mbappe's comments about being the fourth-choice striker, stating he wishes he had four strikers.
How did Arbeloa justify his decision not to start Mbappe?
Arbeloa explained that he makes the decisions based on circumstances and that Mbappe will start in the next match.
What are Arbeloa's thoughts on the booing of Mbappe and Vinicius?
Arbeloa believes both players are capable of turning things around and that the fans will support them once they perform well again.
How does Arbeloa feel about the pressure at Real Madrid?
Arbeloa acknowledged the demands of coaching at Real Madrid and stated that while it's not comfortable, they have a huge responsibility to perform.
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Arbeloa on Mbappe wanting to start
āI said that a player who couldnāt even make the bench four days ago should come on in the second half. Heāll start on Sunday. Gonzalo deserved to play today; I understand that those who donāt start arenāt happy. But as long as Iām in this position, Iām going to make the decisions. If they like it, fine; if not, they can wait until next time.ā
Arbeloa on whether this is normal
āIt hasnāt only happened with Kylian, but with many other players as well. These situations arise due to circumstances; theyāve been different for me than with other coaches at the club. I have a clear conscience, and Iām going to do the best I can. I donāt care; Iāll do what I think is best until the very last day.ā
Arbeloa on Mbappe getting booed
āI always ask for the support of my players.ā
Arbeloa on how they will fix Vinicius and Mbappe getting booed
āIām sure theyāll do it; theyāre capable. Theyāre two pillars, the most decisive players, and the club has high hopes for them. The fans are demanding, and when they return to playing like they know how, the applause will return.ā
Arbeloa on whether his players are āungratefulā
āI donāt expect from my players what Iāve given them; I know how players are. I know how they think, especially players of this caliber. Iām capable of understanding everything. I wouldnāt change a single thing Iāve done or said.ā
Arbeloa on whether he is āsufferingā at the club
āYou can never suffer at Real Madrid. Itās not a comfortable situation for us; we know the demands of this club, and another bad year is piling up, making things even more difficult. We have a huge responsibility; we have to go to Sevilla, and they deserve our full effort until the very end.ā
āWhat can I say? Heās been a fantastic teammate, weāve won so many things together, and he has a wonderful family. Heās one of the most talented players in Spanish football, and weāve all enjoyed watching him. Itās hard to say, but as a person, heās just as talented as he is as a player. Itās been an honor to play alongside him.ā