Arbeloa responds to Mbappe’s statement over demotion at Real Madrid

Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa has insisted that he decides his team selection based on merit rather than reputation following comments made by forward Kylian Mbappé.

Mbappé had claimed after Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Real Oviedo in LaLiga on Thursday night that Arbeloa had placed him fourth in the club’s attacking hierarchy behind Vinicius Junior, Gonzalo García and Franco Mastantuono.

However, Arbeloa dismissed the suggestion and maintained that his remarks had been misunderstood.

“I wish I had four attackers… I don’t have four attackers, and I didn’t say anything like that to Mbappé. He probably didn’t understand me,” Arbeloa told reporters after the match.

“It has never occurred that I told Mbappé he is our fourth striker. Perhaps he misunderstood. I’ve never stated that.”

Read Also: I have been demoted to fourth choice striker – Mbappe

The Spanish coach also stressed that no player is guaranteed a place in his starting line-up based solely on status or name recognition.

“As long as I occupy this position, I am the one who decides who plays and who does not,” he added.

“I do not concern myself with their names. If they are pleased, that is fine; if not, they may wait for the next opportunity.”

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