Alvaro Arbeloa defends Mbappé after Bayern ties, hails threat and team work | OneFootball

Alvaro Arbeloa has defended Kylian Mbappé after criticism of the forward’s defensive work during Real Madrid’s Champions League meetings with Bayern Munich.

According to L'Équipe, the Real Madrid coach told a Monday press conference that Mbappé lived up to his status across the two legs, which ended 1-2 and 3-4, saying he had no complaints, that he scored in both games and was a constant menace.

In Wednesday’s quarter-final second leg, Mbappé registered his 15th Champions League goal of the season, his 40th in all competitions. Despite scrutiny in Spain over his off-the-ball contribution, Arbeloa argued the striker helped in transition and showed significant defensive sacrifice.

Asked about the prospect of another season without silverware, barring a turnaround in La Liga where Real Madrid are second and nine points behind Barcelona, Arbeloa said the club do not need a major overhaul to return to winning titles next season.

He declined to discuss his own future, stressing his focus is Tuesday’s 21:30 fixture against Deportivo Alavés, who are fighting for survival in La Liga and sit 17th on 33 points. He added there are seven matches left and they must win them all, while acknowledging his future is not in his hands.

Source: L'Équipe