Reason why Kylian Mbappe did not start against Oviedo – report | OneFootball

The tension surrounding Real Madrid continues to grow after the latest controversy involving Kylian Mbappe and manager Alvaro Arbeloa following the victory over Real Oviedo.

What initially looked like a simple tactical decision has now developed into one of the biggest talking points in Spanish football after Mbappe publicly spoke about his role in the squad.

Adding fuel to the fire, Arbeloa later contradicted parts of the Frenchman’s version of events.

Now, journalist Juanma Castano has offered further insight into the situation while speaking on El Partidazo de COPE, suggesting that Arbeloa’s handling of Mbappe during the match may have been carefully calculated.

What’s the story?

According to the journalist, the Real Madrid coach intentionally avoided starting Mbappe because of the toxic atmosphere inside the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

Mbappe came on as a second-half substitute. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“He brought him on in the 69th minute, and that was the end of it,” he explained.

Castano then suggested the manager was trying to protect the French superstar from an even harsher reaction from the supporters.

“If he’d started him today, Mbappe would have been booed within his first three touches.”

It must be noted that during the match, the decision to substitute Gonzalo Garcia, one of the few players receiving genuine support from the crowd, only intensified the situation.

Arbeloa was trying to protect Mbappe. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

According to Castano, Mbappe immediately understood the atmosphere surrounding him and chose to respond publicly after the final whistle.

Hostilities towards Mbappe

The reaction from the Real Madrid supporters against Oviedo was one of the clearest signs yet that Mbappe’s relationship with sections of the Bernabeu crowd is entering dangerous territory.

The Frenchman was loudly booed throughout the evening, especially after coming onto the pitch during the second half. 

Every touch was met with whistles from frustrated supporters still angry about recent events, including his trip to Sardinia during his injury recovery and his absence during the painful Clásico defeat against Barcelona.