Real Madrid's Alvaro Arbeloa didn't hold back when addressing Kylian Mbappe's recent comments about being the fourth-choice striker—a remark that has sparked plenty of chatter in the football world.
Speaking after Madrid's solid 2-0 victory over Real Oviedo, Arbeloa was direct and unapologetic. "I wish I had four strikers," he said with a hint of sarcasm. "I don't know what to say. I don't have four strikers, and I didn't say that. He probably didn't understand me; I'm not really sure what to say."
The veteran defender-turned-coach made it crystal clear who's in charge. "If I don't play him, he can't play. I decide; I'm the coach. I spoke with him earlier, and I don't know how he might have interpreted it." Arbeloa explained that benching Mbappe wasn't personal—it was tactical. "He shouldn't have started today because it's not a matter of life or death. We have a match on Sunday, and he'll definitely be the starting striker. Seven days later, he'll have earned his place as the starting striker."
Arbeloa emphasized his role as the decision-maker, acknowledging the natural frustrations that come with competition. "I understand that whoever isn't playing isn't happy. I can understand that 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, common-sense thing to do."
When pressed further, Arbeloa stood his ground. "If you'd like, you can show me the press conference and we can discuss it. I think it would be good if he thought that; he's probably scored many more goals in the first half of the season than in the second."
He defended his lineup choices, noting that Gonzalo deserved the start. "I said that a player who couldn't even make the bench four days ago should come on in the second half. He'll start on Sunday. Gonzalo deserved to play today; I understand that those who don't start aren't happy. But as long as I'm in this position, I'm going to make the decisions. If they like it, fine; if not, they can wait until next time."
Arbeloa made it clear this wasn't an isolated incident. "It hasn't only happened with Kylian, but with many other players as well. These situations arise due to circumstances; they've been different for me than with other coaches at the club. I have a clear conscience, and I'm going to do the best I can. I don't care; I'll do what I think is best until the very last day."
Looking ahead, he expressed confidence in his squad's top talents. "I'm sure they'll do it; they're capable. They're two pillars, the most decisive players, and the club has high hopes for them. The fans are demanding, and when they return to playing like they know how, the applause will return."