Mbappé Says Arbeloa Told Him He Was Madrid’s ‘Fourth-Choice Forward’ After Bernabéu Boos.

Kylian Mbappé revealed after Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Real Oviedo that coach Álvaro Arbeloa informed him before kickoff that he was considered the club’s “fourth-choice forward,” a claim the Madrid manager later denied. Mbappé, returning after missing last weekend’s Clásico defeat to Barcelona with a hamstring injury, began Thursday’s match on the bench and entered in the 69th minute for Gonzalo García. The France captain was met with loud whistles from sections of the Santiago Bernabéu crowd in Madrid’s first home match since Barcelona clinched the LaLiga title. “I’m fine, I’m 100%,” Mbappé told reporters afterward. “The coach told me I’m the fourth-choice forward behind Mastantuono, Vinícius and Gonzalo. I accept it. I’ll play the minutes I’m given and keep working.” The forward insisted he had been ready to start and denied any rift with Arbeloa. “I’m not angry with the coach,” he said. “You always have to respect the manager’s decisions. I have to improve and earn my place again.” Arbeloa, however, strongly rejected Mbappé’s interpretation of their conversation. “I wish I had four forwards,” the Madrid coach said in his postmatch news conference. “I never told Mbappé he was the fourth-choice striker. Maybe he misunderstood me, but I would never say that.” The coach defended his decision to ease Mbappé back into action after injury, noting the forward had not even been available four days earlier.

“It wasn’t a final or a must-win situation,” Arbeloa said. “It was the most logical decision based on the circumstances. I decide who plays, regardless of names.” Mbappé has faced mounting criticism from supporters and sections of the Spanish media in recent days after being photographed on a short vacation during his recovery and then failing to return in time for Sunday’s loss to Barcelona.

The 27-year-old said the trip had been approved by the club and acknowledged fans’ frustration after another disappointing campaign. “I understand the whistles,” Mbappé said. “When people are angry, you can’t change their minds. That’s part of life at Real Madrid, especially when you’re a player like me.” Madrid are set to finish the season without a major trophy for the second consecutive year after a turbulent campaign that included Xabi Alonso’s midseason departure and Arbeloa’s arrival on the bench. “We started the season well, but we lost our structure and identity in the second half,” Mbappé said. “It hurts because we expected much more.” Despite speculation about tension inside the squad, Mbappé insisted there were no issues with Arbeloa. “Everyone has their own ideas and philosophy,” he said. “I just need to work harder and be better than Gonzalo, Mastantuono and Vini if I want more playing time.” Madrid close out their LaLiga season with matches against Sevilla and Athletic Club.