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Kylian Mbappé declared to the press that he is "the fourth-choice striker" at Real Madrid following Thursday evening's 2–0 win against Real Oviedo, adding another layer to the ongoing off-field turbulence at the club.
Madrid dispatched La Liga's basement side with relative ease, securing the victory through goals from Gonzalo García and Jude Bellingham. Nevertheless, it was still an uncomfortable night at the Bernabéu, as several key players were met with jeers from supporters in their first appearance since the Clásico loss that handed Barcelona the title.
Mbappé began the game on the bench after sitting out the previous two fixtures, including El Clásico, due to a hamstring problem. The French star came on midway through the second half, only to be greeted by loud boos from the home faithful and was persistently whistled for the remainder of the match.
The hostile reception was hardly unexpected, given that millions of fans have signed a petition demanding Mbappé's departure from Real Madrid, following a season plagued by disappointment and controversy.
The forward, who was named captain in France's 26-man World Cup squad announced on Thursday, provided the assist for Bellingham's 80th-minute goal but was unable to add to his league-high tally of 24 for the season.
Mbappé nonetheless managed to dominate the post-match conversation.
Mbappé's Candid Mixed Zone Appearance
🗣️ Mbappé sobre su suplencia frente al Real Oviedo: "Estoy muy bien. Hoy no he sido titular porque Arbeloa me ha dicho que soy el cuarto delantero de la plantilla".
#LALIGAenDAZN ⚽ pic.twitter.com/RBousiSOMQ
When questioned about his physical condition after the game, Mbappé maintained he had been fit to start but was dropped down the selection order by Álvaro Arbeloa.
"I'm completely fine," he said. "I didn't play because the manager told me I'm the fourth-choice striker in the squad, behind [Franco] Mastantuono, Vini and Gonzalo. I was ready to start — it's his call and you always have to respect that. I'm not upset."
The remarks drew considerable attention, as the club's highest earner continued to speak candidly and apparently without restraint, addressing both his own situation and the club's, telling reporters in the mixed zone: "I prefer to speak here, with my own mouth. That way it's much clearer. My only job is to perform well and give everything for this badge."
When asked what it feels like to be "fourth-choice," Mbappé responded: "Ask the manager. What do you want me to say?
"I was ready to start, but it's his decision. I can't be angry with the manager. You always have to respect a manager's judgment. I'll just keep working hard in training and in matches, hoping to earn a starting spot."
In remarks that appeared to be a veiled dig at Arbeloa, Mbappé reflected on Madrid's underwhelming campaign by saying: "We started the season well — in La Liga, in the Champions League — but we lost our way in the second half of the season. And it hurts a lot, because I feel we had a clear identity and we let it slip."
On the two managers he has worked under this season, he commented: "I have a great relationship with Xabi [Alonso], he's going to be a fantastic coach. But that's behind us now and we need to focus on what's ahead.
"I have no issue with Arbeloa. You have to respect him. You have to accept the coach's philosophy, and I need to do my best to get ahead of Vini, Gonzalo and Mastantuono."
When asked whether the manager's recent public comments had stung him, Mbappé quipped: "I watch French TV — I don't have Spanish TV at home. So I have no idea what he said!"
Arbeloa Insists 'I Decide the Team'
In his post-match press conference, Arbeloa initially pushed back against Mbappé's version of events.
"He must have misunderstood," the Madrid head coach insisted. "I don't know what to say — I never told him he was the fourth-choice striker."
However, when pressed further, Arbeloa stood firm, making clear that team selection is his responsibility alone and that players must accept his decisions.
"If I don't pick him, he doesn't play," Arbeloa said. "I'm the one who decides — I'm the coach. I spoke with him beforehand, and I'm not sure how he interpreted it. He didn't need to start today because it's not a matter of life or death. We have a game on Sunday, and he will definitely be the starting striker.
"A week from now, he'll have secured his place as the starting striker. I decide who plays. I understand that players who aren't in the lineup aren't happy. I get that he's frustrated, but the decision was based on the circumstances. I didn't want to take any unnecessary risks. It was the most sensible and logical thing to do.
"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 his chance today. I understand that those left out aren't satisfied. But as long as I'm in charge, I will be making the decisions. If they're happy with that, great. If not, they'll have to wait for the next opportunity."
When asked about Mbappé's suggestion that Madrid had fallen apart in the second half of the season, Arbeloa fired back at his No. 9.
"I'd be glad if he thinks that. He's probably scored far more goals in the first half of the season than in the second," Arbeloa concluded.