‘I wish I had four strikers’ – Real Madrid manager publicly denies Mbappe’s shocking claim | OneFootball

Alvaro Arbeloa attempted to calm the growing noise surrounding Kylian Mbappe after Real Madrid defeated Real Oviedo 2-0, but his post-match comments only added more fuel to the situation.

Much of the attention after the game centred around Mbappe’s explosive interview, where the French superstar claimed he had been told he was currently ‘the fourth-choice striker’. 

Arbeloa, however, immediately denied making such a statement when questioned by journalists.

“I wish I had four strikers. I don’t know what to say. I don’t have four strikers, and I didn’t say that. 

“You must have misunderstood me; I’m not quite sure what to say.”

Addressing a potential problem

The Real Madrid coach made it clear that he still sees Mbappe as an important player despite leaving him on the bench against Oviedo. 

Arbeloa insisted the decision was purely based on fitness concerns and squad management ahead of the next fixture.

Arbeloa addressed Mbappe’s reaction. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“If I don’t pick him, he can’t play. I make the decisions; I’m the manager. I had a chat with him earlier, and I don’t know how he might have interpreted it. 

“He wasn’t supposed to start today because it’s not a do-or-die situation; we’ve got a match on Sunday and he’ll definitely be the first-choice striker.

“I can understand why he’s not happy, but it’s a decision based on the circumstances. 

“I didn’t want to take any risks. It was the most logical thing to do, common sense.”

Was he ready to start?

Arbeloa also pushed back against the idea that Mbappe had been close to starting the match.

“I’ve said that a player who four days ago couldn’t even make the bench should come on in the second half. He’ll start on Sunday.

“Gonzalo deserved the reward of playing today; I understand that those who don’t start aren’t happy.

“But as long as I’m in this chair, I’m the one who decides. If you’re happy with that, fine; if not, you’ll just have to wait until next time.”

Arbeloa tries to downplay tension

While Arbeloa attempted to present the situation as normal dressing-room frustration, the public disagreement between manager and player has inevitably raised eyebrows around the club.

The Real Madrid manager downplayed any tension within the squad. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The Madrid coach admitted these kinds of situations are common inside elite squads filled with star players.

“It hasn’t just happened with Kylian, but with many other players too. 

“These are situations that arise; due to the circumstances, they’ve been different from those faced by other managers at the club.”

When asked whether modern footballers can sometimes appear ungrateful, Arbeloa gave a measured but telling response.

“I know what players are like. I know how they think, especially players of this calibre. I can understand it all. I wouldn’t change a single thing I’ve done or said.”

Lastly, the manager also acknowledged the pressure currently surrounding Real Madrid after another disappointing campaign.

“You can never suffer when you’re at Madrid. It’s not a situation we’re comfortable with; we know the demands of this club.

“It’s shaping up to be another bad year, and that makes the situation even more difficult. 

“We have a huge responsibility; we have to go to Seville, and they deserve our best effort right to the end,” he concluded.

Source: AS