Mbappe causes new drama at Real Madrid with a bombshell statement

Kylian Mbappe has sent shockwaves through the Spanish media by publicly revealing he is currently considered the “fourth-choice striker” at Real Madrid under interim head coach Alvaro Arbeloa.

Following Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Real Oviedo in Matchday 36 of La Liga on the morning of May 15, a visibly frustrated Mbappe appeared in the mixed zone. The French superstar was unexpectedly benched for the fixture and did not hesitate to voice his displeasure regarding the coaching staff’s decisions.

The Bombshell Interview

“I didn’t start because the coach told me I am the team’s number four striker,” Mbappe shared with reporters. “I was completely ready to play. But that is his decision, and I have to respect it.”

When asked if there was a personal rift between him and Arbeloa, the 27-year-old forward denied it but bluntly admitted to the immense pressure of competing for minutes at the Bernabeu. “I have to work hard to be better than Vinicius Junior, Franco Mastantuono, and Gonzalo,” Mbappe added.

Beyond his struggles on the pitch, the French international is also facing severe backlash from fans following a controversial trip to Italy during a highly sensitive phase of the season. However, Mbappe defended himself, asserting he had explicit permission from the club to leave Madrid and that he wasn’t the only player absent from the squad.

The forward also addressed the loud jeers echoing through the Bernabeu recently. “That’s life. When the team isn’t winning, the fans will pick someone to criticize. I’ve experienced this many times in my career,” he said, closing his interview with a forward-looking message: “We have to learn to accept the criticism and come back stronger next season.”

Arbeloa’s Swift Rebuttal

The narrative didn’t go unchecked for long. The Spanish tactician quickly dismissed Mbappe’s claims during his own post-match press conference.

“I do not have four strikers, and I never said that phrase. Perhaps Mbappe misunderstood,” Arbeloa firmly stated.

The Real Madrid interim boss emphasized that he takes full responsibility for benching the star. According to Arbeloa, the French forward had just recovered from a minor injury, and there was no need to risk him in a match that wasn’t a do-or-die situation.

“If I don’t put him in the starting lineup, he doesn’t play. I am the coach, and I am the one who makes the decisions. Mbappe will start the next match. But today, Gonzalo deserved the opportunity more,” Arbeloa explained.

A Fractured Dressing Room

Arbeloa’s uncompromising tone is being widely interpreted as yet another sign that the Real Madrid locker room remains deeply unsettled following a highly turbulent season.

Lately, Los Blancos have been plagued by endless rumors of internal conflict, exacerbated by a string of disappointing results in both the Champions League and La Liga. Mbappe isn’t the only target of the fans’ frustration; Vinicius Junior also received boos from the stands during the recent match against Oviedo.

Despite the palpable tension, Arbeloa defended his star duo, stating they remain crucial pillars and the players most capable of making a massive difference for Real Madrid. While acknowledging that the club is enduring a very difficult period after another disappointing domestic campaign, the former Spanish defender vowed to continue doing what he believes is best for the team until his final day in charge.