Arbeloa Clarifies Lineup Decision After Mbappe's Absence Against Oviedo

Real Madrid's manager Arbeloa has pushed back against claims made by Kylian Mbappe regarding his absence from the squad's recent 2-0 victory over Oviedo in La Liga.

Following the match, Mbappe had stated that the coach informed him he was third in the striker hierarchy, behind Mastantuono and Vinicius. However, Arbeloa categorically rejected this account during a press conference, according to reporting from Marca.

"I never said such a phrase to Mbappé," Arbeloa declared, emphasizing that he holds sole authority over team selection. "Mbappe must not have understood the matter well. I am the one who decides who plays as long as I am sitting in this seat, and I do not care if they do not agree with that, whatever the player's name is. If they do not like it, let them wait for the next person."

The manager further disputed the notion that he operates with four strikers, noting that Mbappe had been unavailable for the bench just four days prior. "Today's match was not a final, and he will be the first striker, as I told him. I have no problem with anyone," Arbeloa explained.

He attributed the benching decision to practical considerations rather than a hierarchy issue. With another match scheduled three days ahead, Arbeloa indicated he opted to avoid risking Mbappe's fitness. While acknowledging that players naturally feel disappointment when sidelined, the coach stressed that such decisions stem from specific circumstances and squad management strategy.

The manager also addressed recent booing directed at both Vinicius and Mbappe during matches. He expressed confidence that the pair would move past the negative reception, characterizing them as foundational to Real Madrid's project. "They are two main pillars of Real Madrid, and the club is betting on them, and the applause will return again," Arbeloa stated.