Real Madrid: “I couldn’t care less about your name,” Arbeloa sets Mbappé straight on the attacking hierarchy.

Álvaro Arbeloa took care to clarify his position regarding Kylian Mbappé after Real Madrid’s victory over Real Oviedo (2-0) in LaLiga. The Real Madrid coach was responding to Mbappé’s statements, who had suggested that he considered himself relegated behind Vinicius Júnior, Gonzalo García and Franco Mastantuono in the club’s attacking hierarchy. In front of reporters, Arbeloa firmly denied ever having made such remarks, explaining that the French international had probably misinterpreted his words.

“I never told Mbappé that he was our fourth striker,” the Spanish coach assured. “He has probably misunderstood. And honestly, I’d like to have four attackers available already,” he added with irony. Arbeloa also recalled that he remained the sole decision-maker regarding his sporting choices. “As long as I am coach here, it’s me who will decide who plays and who stays on the bench,” he stated. The Madrid coach finally emphasized that a player’s status or reputation would not influence his decisions. “I don’t look at names. I choose the players who, in my view, deserve to play,” concluded Arbeloa.