Mbappé vs Arbeloa: Something Is Not Right at Real Madrid

Things are not going well between Kylian Mbappé and Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa, and both men have said things in public that are hard to ignore.

Mbappé recently came out and said that Arbeloa told him he is now the fourth choice striker at the club, behind Vini Jr, Gonzalo and Mastantuono.

“Arbeloa told me I’m the fourth striker behind Vini Jr, Gonzalo and Mastantuono. I just accepted it. It’s what I have to do, I’m a player.” — Kylian Mbappé

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Think about that for a second. Mbappé is one of the best players in the world. Being told he is fourth choice is a big deal.

But Arbeloa came out and said that conversation never happened.

“It never happened that I told Mbappé he’s our fourth striker. Maybe he misunderstood. I’ve never said it.” — Álvaro Arbeloa

So one person is saying it happened, the other is saying it did not. That is a problem. Two people in the same club giving the public two different stories is not a good sign.

What is interesting is how Mbappé has been handling all of this. He has not asked to leave. He has not caused a big scene. But he did say something that tells you he is not happy with how things are being handled behind the scenes.

“I prefer speaking here, with my own mouth. There are people who don’t speak, so I have to go and read the press to know what they actually think.” — Kylian Mbappé

That is Mbappé saying, quietly, that people at the club are not being straight with him.

This season has been rough for him. He picked up a knee injury, missed El Clásico even though he said he was ready to play, and has been left on the bench more than his fans expected. The booing from Real Madrid supporters has not helped either. But his response to all of it has been calm.

“Boos from the fans? It’s normal. You have to accept it. When you don’t win, it’s normal.” — Kylian Mbappé

Arbeloa has also been very direct about one thing. He makes the decisions, no matter who the player is.

“As long as I’m in this chair, I am the one who decides who plays and who doesn’t. I do not care what their names are.” — Álvaro Arbeloa

Fair enough. That is his job. But saying that while your biggest star is publicly contradicting you is not a comfortable position for anyone.

Read Next: José Mourinho Could Return to Real Madrid as Florentino Pérez Weighs Decision

On top of all this, there are reports that José Mourinho could be coming back to Real Madrid. Mourinho has not denied it.

“Next week is important for my future.” — José Mourinho

If Mourinho walks in, everything changes. The whole situation gets a new angle.

For now, Mbappé says he is staying put. But with all this going on out in the open, Real Madrid have a lot to sort out before next season starts.