Kylian Mbappe claimed he was told he had fallen to “fourth-choice” in the pecking order at Real Madrid after being left on the bench during Thursday’s 2-0 win over Real Oviedo.
The French forward was introduced in the 69th minute and was reportedly booed by sections of the home support at the Bernabeu following his recent absence in El Clasico.
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Speaking after the match, Mbappe insisted he was fully fit and suggested interim boss Alvaro Arbeloa told him he was behind Franco Mastantuono, Vinicius Junior and Gonzalo Garcia in the attacking hierarchy.
“I’m well, I’m 100 percent,” Mbappe said. “The coach told me I’m the fourth-choice forward in the squad. I accept it and play the time I’m given.”
However, former Liverpool defender Arbeloa quickly denied the claim and insisted his comments had been misunderstood, reports Liverpool.
“At no point could I tell him that he’s the fourth-choice forward,” Arbeloa responded. “A player who wasn’t on the bench four days ago shouldn’t start today. That’s all.”
Mbappe’s situation has added to growing tension around Madrid after a disappointing campaign, with the club already facing criticism following their recent defeat to rivals Barcelona.
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