In the heart of a squad selection controversy, Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa has refuted claims from Kylian Mbappé suggesting that he has been relegated to the role of “fourth-choice striker.”
Mbappé’s comments came after he expressed concerns over his position in the lineup, citing Vinícius Júnior, Gonzalo García, and Franco Mastantuono as being ahead of him in the pecking order.
In response, Arbeloa clarified that the French forward’s recent absence from the starting XI was due to a hamstring injury. He indicated that it was a natural decision to manage Mbappé’s return to full fitness after he missed the previous match against Barcelona.
“I’m very well, 100%. I haven’t played because I’m the manager’s fourth-choice striker,” Mbappé stated during an interview with club media. “I accept it and play the time they give me. I provided an assist for Jude, and you always have to be positive.”
Addressing the situation, Arbeloa insisted, “It never happened that I told Mbappé he’s our fourth striker. Maybe he misunderstood. I’ve never said it. As long as I’m in this chair, I am the ONE who decides who plays and who doesn’t.”
He further emphasized, “I do not care what their names are. If they like it, fine, and if not, they can wait for the next one.”
