Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa denies Kylian Mbappe's claim of being the fourth-choice striker after a 2-0 victory over Real Oviedo. Arbeloa's comments have sparked further controversy instead of calming the situation.
āI wish I had four strikersā ā Real Madrid manager publicly denies Mbappeās shocking claim
āI wish I had four strikersā ā Real Madrid manager publicly denies Mbappeās shocking claim
Alvaro Arbeloa attempted to calm the growing noise surrounding Kylian Mbappe after Real Madrid defeated Real Oviedo 2-0, but his post-match comments only added more fuel to the situation.
Much of the attention after the game centred around Mbappeās explosive interview, where the French superstar claimed he had been told he was currently āthe fourth-choice strikerā.
Arbeloa, however, immediately denied making such a statement when questioned by journalists.
āI wish I had four strikers. I donāt know what to say. I donāt have four strikers, and I didnāt say that.
āYou must have misunderstood me; Iām not quite sure what to say.ā
Addressing a potential problem
The Real Madrid coach made it clear that he still sees Mbappe as an important player despite leaving him on the bench against Oviedo.
Arbeloa insisted the decision was purely based on fitness concerns and squad management ahead of the next fixture.
Arbeloa addressed Mbappeās reaction. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Q&A
What did Kylian Mbappe claim about his position at Real Madrid?
Kylian Mbappe claimed he was told he is currently the fourth-choice striker at Real Madrid.
How did Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa respond to Mbappe's claim?
Alvaro Arbeloa publicly denied making the statement about Mbappe being the fourth-choice striker.
What was the outcome of the Real Madrid match against Real Oviedo?
Real Madrid won the match against Real Oviedo with a score of 2-0.
Why did Arbeloa's comments add fuel to the controversy surrounding Mbappe?
Arbeloa's denial of Mbappe's claim only intensified the media attention and speculation about the player's status.
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āIf I donāt pick him, he canāt play. I make the decisions; Iām the manager. I had a chat with him earlier, and I donāt know how he might have interpreted it.
āHe wasnāt supposed to start today because itās not a do-or-die situation; weāve got a match on Sunday and heāll definitely be the first-choice striker.
āI can understand why heās not happy, but itās a decision based on the circumstances.
āI didnāt want to take any risks. It was the most logical thing to do, common sense.ā
Was he ready to start?
Arbeloa also pushed back against the idea that Mbappe had been close to starting the match.
āIāve said that a player who four days ago couldnāt even make the bench should come on in the second half. Heāll start on Sunday.
āGonzalo deserved the reward of playing today; I understand that those who donāt start arenāt happy.
āBut as long as Iām in this chair, Iām the one who decides. If youāre happy with that, fine; if not, youāll just have to wait until next time.ā
Arbeloa tries to downplay tension
While Arbeloa attempted to present the situation as normal dressing-room frustration, the public disagreement between manager and player has inevitably raised eyebrows around the club.
The Real Madrid manager downplayed any tension within the squad. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The Madrid coach admitted these kinds of situations are common inside elite squads filled with star players.
āIt hasnāt just happened with Kylian, but with many other players too.
āThese are situations that arise; due to the circumstances, theyāve been different from those faced by other managers at the club.ā
When asked whether modern footballers can sometimes appear ungrateful, Arbeloa gave a measured but telling response.
āI know what players are like. I know how they think, especially players of this calibre. I can understand it all. I wouldnāt change a single thing Iāve done or said.ā
Lastly, the manager also acknowledged the pressure currently surrounding Real Madrid after another disappointing campaign.
āYou can never suffer when youāre at Madrid. Itās not a situation weāre comfortable with; we know the demands of this club.
āItās shaping up to be another bad year, and that makes the situation even more difficult.
āWe have a huge responsibility; we have to go to Seville, and they deserve our best effort right to the end,ā he concluded.
