Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa has denied telling Kylian Mbappé that he is the “fourth-choice striker” at Real Madrid.
This follows public comments from Mbappé claiming he was demoted in the squad hierarchy behind Vinícius Júnior, Gonzalo García, and Franco Mastantuono.
Arbeloa explained that Mbappé was on the bench because of a recent hamstring injury, noting it was logical to ease him back after missing the previous match against Barcelona.
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“I’m very well, 100%. I haven’t played because I’m the manager’s fourth-choice striker,” he told the 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.”
“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.
“I do not care what their names are. If they like it, fine, and if not, they can wait for the next one.”
