France captain Kylian Mbappe said he is now Real Madrid’s fourth striker after being left out of the starting line-up by coach Alvaro Arbeloa in their 2-0 win over Real Oviedo on Thursday.
The French footballer, who missed Sunday’s 0-2 loss against Barcelona and was booed by fans returning from a hamstring injury, he came on from the bench in the 68th minute after Arbeloa decided to release Vinicius Junior and Gonzalo Garcia into the attack.
>> Read also: Mbappé under fire from the fans: the Bernabéu booed him every time he touched the ball
Mbappe told reporters that his fitness is not a problem.
I’m one hundred percent fine, I didn’t play because for the coach I was the fourth striker in the team behind Mastantuon, Vinny and Gonzalohe said.
I was ready to start, it’s his decision and it must always be respected. I have no problems with Arbelo. You have to accept the coach’s philosophy and I have to try harder to play in front of Vinny, Gonzalo and Mastantuonadded the French forward.
Mbappe is faced criticism from fans for a trip to Sardinia while recovering from injury, although he said the club had approved the trip.
Arbeloa said there was no way Mbappe could start the game after missing the Barcelona game and rejected claims he had been told he was fourth choice.
I spoke to him before the game and I don’t know how he could have interpreted thatthe Spaniard told reporters.
It is very clear to me that a player who could not be on the bench four days ago (against Barcelona) should not be a starter today. Especially since it’s not the finalis not a life or death gameArbeloa said, adding that Mbappe will start Real’s next game against Sevilla on Sunday.
(Hina | Photo: X)
