Alvaro Arbeloa and Kylian Mbappe in disagreement over Real Madrid 'demotion' claim | OneFootball

Real Madrid boss has played down talk of a rift with Mbappe

Alvaro Arbeloa has hit back at claims he told Kylian Mbappe is now Real Madrid’s fourth-choice forward.

Mbappe, who was jeered by large sections of Real Madrid supporters on his return from injury against Real Oviedo on Thursday, suggested his recent absence was not solely down to fitness reasons.

The Frenchman claimed that he slipped behind Franco ​Mastantuono, ⁠Vinicius Jr and Gonzalo in the pecking order at the Santiago Bernabeu, though Arbeloa insists there has been an misunderstanding.

“I wish I had four forwards, but I don’t. I don’t know what to tell you because I neither have four forwards nor have I said such a thing. He must have misunderstood me,” the Real Madrid boss said in the post-match press conference.

“If I don’t play him, he can’t play; that’s clear because I’m the coach, and I decide who plays and who doesn’t. I had a conversation with him before the match, and I don’t know how he might have interpreted it.

“For me, it’s very clear that a player who couldn’t even make the bench four days ago shouldn’t start today. Especially because this isn’t a final, it’s not a life-or-death match.

“I think Gonzalo did a great job the other day. Additionally, we have a match on Sunday, where he will surely be the starting forward, as I’ve told him. Seven days later, he will surely earn being the first forward again.

Kylian Mbappe was a second half substitute in Real Madrid’s win over Real Oviedo

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“I truly have no problem with anyone. I’m the coach of Real Madrid; I decide who plays and who doesn’t. I understand that players who don’t play aren’t happy, which is why they’re players for Real Madrid.

“I can perfectly understand that Mbappe isn’t happy today for not playing, but it’s a decision based, as I’ve always said, on circumstances.

“I didn’t want to take any risks on my part, also considering Sunday’s match, which is in three days. I think it was the most logical, natural, and common-sense decision.”