Real Madrid head coach Álvaro Arbeloa has addressed the surprising statements made by Kylian Mbappé on Thursday.
Mbappé, the prominent forward, was the focus of attention late yesterday evening.
After being a substitute in Real Madrid’s La Liga win against Real Oviedo, having recently recovered from an injury, the French international shared his perspective with the media:
“I was ready to start, but Arbeloa told me I am the 4th striker now. It’s okay; we have to accept the coach’s decisions. I will work even harder.”
Consequently, during his own post-match press conference, it was natural for Arbeloa to be questioned about his top scorer’s remarks.
Arbeloa seized the opportunity to strongly deny Mbappé’s allegations.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Spanish manager stated:
“I do not have four forwards, nor did I say such a thing to him. Perhaps he misunderstood.
“For me, it’s very clear that a player who couldn’t even make the bench four days ago should not have started today.”
English Translation:
Real Madrid head coach Álvaro Arbeloa has provided his response to the eye-catching comments made by Kylian Mbappé on Thursday.
Forward Mbappé, of course, grabbed the headlines on the latest occasion late yesterday evening.
After being forced to make do with a substitute role in Real Madrid’s La Liga victory over Real Oviedo, the Frenchman, fresh off a spell on the sidelines, explained to the media:
“I was ready to start but Arbeloa told me I am the 4th striker now. It’s okay, we have to accept the decisions of the coach. I will be working even harder.”
During his own post-match press conference, it therefore came as little surprise when his top scorer’s comments were put to Real Madrid’s headmaster himself.
And Arbeloa made use of the opportunity to firmly deny Mbappé’s claims.
As per Mundo Deportivo, the Spanish tactician assured:
“I don’t have four forwards nor did I tell him such a phrase. Maybe he misunderstood.
“For me it’s very clear that a player who couldn’t even be on the bench four days ago shouldn’t have started today.”