Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has claimed that head coach Álvaro Arbeloa told him he is now only the fourth-choice striker at the club. The France captain made the remark after starting on the bench in Los Blancos’ 2–0 La Liga win over Real Oviedo at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Mbappé, who recently returned from a hamstring injury, insisted he was fully fit and ready to start the match. “I’m 100% fine. I didn’t play because, for the coach, I’ve been the fourth-choice striker behind (Franco) Mastantuono, Vini and Gonzalo,” he told reporters in the mixed zone.
The 27-year-old explained that Arbeloa opted to start Vinícius Júnior and youngster Gonzalo García in attack, with teenage sensation Mastantuono also ahead of him in the pecking order. “I was ready to start, but Arbeloa informed me that I am now the fourth striker. It’s acceptable; we must respect the coach’s decisions,” Mbappé added, stressing that he is “not angry” but simply stating the situation.
Mbappé’s comments have fuelled speculation about tension between the World Cup winner and his manager, as well as uncertainty over his long-term role in Madrid’s attack. Reports in Spain suggest the former PSG star is increasingly dissatisfied with reduced minutes and the way he has been treated in recent weeks.
Arbeloa, however, has publicly denied ever telling Mbappé that he is the club’s fourth-choice striker. “I wish I had four strikers. I don’t have four strikers, and I never said that,” the coach told journalists, insisting that his decision to bench Mbappé was based on fitness management and tactical considerations.
The conflicting versions have sparked debate among fans and pundits, with some questioning whether the relationship between Madrid’s marquee signing and his manager is beginning to fracture. For now, Mbappé says he will keep working to prove he deserves to start ahead of Vinícius, Mastantuono and Gonzalo.
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