Kylian Mbappe claims Real Madrid manager told him he is fourth-choice
Kylian Mbappe has claimed Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa told him he is the club’s fourth-choice forward after the striker was booed by fans during Thursday’s 2-0 victory over Real Oviedo.
The French forward was introduced as a 69th-minute substitute, replacing goalscorer Gonzalo Garcia, and faced loud whistles from the Bernabeu crowd.
This La Liga fixture marked the club’s first home match since bitter rivals Barcelona secured the league title.
It also followed a tumultuous week in the Spanish capital, with president Florentino Perez announcing his intention to call fresh presidential elections.
Mbappe reveals frustration over pecking order
The 25-year-old recently recovered from a hamstring problem that forced him to miss Sunday’s El Clasico defeat.
Despite declaring himself fully fit, the World Cup winner was left out of the starting lineup against Oviedo.
“I didn’t play because the coach told me I’m the fourth-choice forward in the squad behind Franco Mastantuono, Vinicius Junior and Gonzalo,” he told reporters.
“I accept it and play the time I’m given. I think I played well.”
“I was ready to start. I’m not angry with the manager. You always have to respect a coach’s decision.”
Arbeloa denies making fourth-choice comment
Addressing the media shortly after the final whistle, the Spanish head coach strongly refuted his striker’s version of events.
“I don’t have four forwards, and I certainly didn’t say anything like that to Mbappe,” Arbeloa said.
“Perhaps he didn’t understand me. I don’t know what else to tell you. At no point could I tell him that he’s the fourth-choice forward.”
The former defender emphasised that integrating a player who recently missed a crucial match due to injury required a cautious approach.
“A player who wasn’t on the bench four days ago shouldn’t start today,” the manager added.
“It’s not a final, it’s not a do-or-die situation. That’s all. I don’t have any problem with anyone.”
Fan backlash follows controversial holiday
The former Paris St-Germain star has faced intense scrutiny from local media and supporters after taking a brief holiday during his injury rehabilitation.
Failing to regain fitness in time for the crucial clash against Barcelona only intensified the frustration among the Madrid fanbase.
Defending his trip, the prolific attacker insisted his travel had been fully authorised by the club hierarchy and acknowledged the supporters’ reactions.
“It’s life. You can’t change people’s minds when they’re angry. I shouldn’t take it personally.”