Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé and the coach Alvaro Arbeloa disagree over his bench role against Real Oviedo; Yankee Scores reports…

Kylian Mbappé claims he’s been told he is the ‘fourth-choice’ forward, but manager Alvaro Arbeloa says that’s nonsense.

Mbappé came off the bench in the 69th minute, replacing Gonzalo García, who netted the first goal for Real. With more than 70 million signatures calling for his exit from the team, it is no surprise that the French forward was booed by Real Madrid fans.

The “Fourth-Choice” Controversy

While speaking to reporters, Mbappe claimed Arbeloa had told him he was the fourth-choice striker, a claim Arbeloa later denied by the Spanish coach.

Mbappé had missed Sunday’s El Clasico through injury.

“I’m well, I’m 100%,” Mbappé told reporters after the game.

“I didn’t play because the coach [Arbeloa] told me I’m the fourth-choice forward in the squad behind Mastantuono, Vinicius and Gonzalo. I accept it and play the time I’m given. I think I played well.

“I was ready to start. I’m not angry with the manager. You always have to respect a coach’s decision. I’ll work hard to get back into the starting lineup.”

Arbeloa Refutes Claim

In his post-match presser, Arbeloa vehemently dismissed Mbappe’s submission, saying his conversation with Mbappe before the game might have been misinterpreted.

“I wish I had four forwards,” Arbeloa said. “I don’t have four forwards, and I certainly didn’t say anything like that to Mbappé. Perhaps he didn’t understand me. I don’t know what else to tell you. At no point could I tell him that he’s the fourth-choice forward.

“I’m the coach, and I’m the one who decides who plays and who doesn’t. I had a conversation with him before the match. I don’t know how he might have interpreted it. A player who wasn’t on the bench four days ago shouldn’t start today. It’s not a final, it’s not a do-or-die situation. … That’s all. I don’t have any problem with anyone.”

“I can understand that Mbappé isn’t happy about not playing, but it’s a decision based on the circumstances,” Arbeloa said. “It was the most logical and natural thing to do, the most common-sense thing.

“If you want, you can show me Kylian’s mixed zone [comments] and we can discuss it. Until I hear what he said, I’m not going to comment on every single sentence. … As long as I’m in this position, I decide who plays and who doesn’t. I don’t care what their names are.”

Fans Turn on Mbappé

The French player is under attack by both his fan base and Madrid media after he was seen enjoying a vacation when still injured and failed to recover in time to feature in Sunday’s Clásico.

“It’s life,” Mbappé said. “You can’t change people’s minds when they’re angry. I shouldn’t take it personally. It’s the life of a Real Madrid player, and a famous player like me. … They’re not happy. That’s the only way to understand the whistles.”

Questions were raised regarding Madrid’s poor season performance, which did not end with any significant trophy for two consecutive seasons following the dismissal of coach Xabi Alonso and his replacement by Arbeloa.

“We started the season well. Then we lost everything in the second half of the season,” Mbappé said. “It hurts a lot. I feel like we had a playing style, a structure, and we lost it.

“I have a great relationship with Xabi. Everyone knows what I think of him. But we have to look ahead at what we can improve and do better.

“There’s no problem with Arbeloa. Everyone has their own ideas and philosophy. I have to work to be better than Gonzalo, Mastantuono and Vini to get playing time.”

Real Madrid have two games left; away at Sevilla and a home clash against Athletic Club.