Mbappe had said, after Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Oviedo in the Spanish League, that he did not start the match because the coach told him that he was behind Mastantuono, Vinicius and Gonzalo in the pecking order of strikers.
The newspaper “Marca” quoted Arbeloa as saying in the press conference: “I never said such a phrase to Mbappé.”
He added: “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.”
Arbeloa explained that he does not even have 4 strikers, stressing that Mbappe was not even able to sit on the bench 4 days ago.
He continued: “Today’s match was not a final, and he will be the first striker, as I told him. I have no problem with anyone.”
The Real Madrid coach indicated that he understands the unhappiness of the players who do not participate, but he stressed that the decision was related to the circumstances, and the desire not to risk Mbappe before another match in 3 days.
Regarding the booing whistles against Vinicius and Mbappe, Arbeloa said that they will get over it, adding: “They are two main pillars of Real Madrid, and the club is betting on them, and the applause will return again.”
