Mbappe reveals Arbeloa informed him he's been dropped to fourth choice upfront

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Kylian Mbappe has expressed his frustration at Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa after being told he is now the club’s fourth-choice striker.

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The French forward, who recently returned from a thigh injury, was named on the bench in Real Madrid’s comfortable win over relegated Real Oviedo.

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Speaking after the match, Mbappé revealed that Arbeloa informed him he had fallen behind Vinícius Júnior, Gonzalo García, and Franco Mastantuono in the attacking pecking order.

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“I was prepared to start, but Arbeloa informed me that I am now the fourth striker.

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“It’s acceptable; we must respect the coach’s decisions. I will be putting in even more effort.

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“Arbeloa mentioned that I am the fourth striker behind Vini Jr, Gonzalo, and Mastantuono.

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“I recall people suggesting I needed to rest in the Copa del Rey, that I was playing too frequently… and then we were eliminated by a lower division team.

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“I do not watch Arbeloa’s press conferences. At home, I have French television, not Spanish television.”

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Mbappé has come under criticism from some supporters in recent weeks over what they see as a lack of commitment, despite remaining the club’s top scorer this season.

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Madrid are set to finish a second straight campaign without a major trophy after rivals FC Barcelona secured the league title following last weekend’s El Clásico victory.

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Arbeloa’s own future at the Santiago Bernabéu is also uncertain, with reports linking former manager José Mourinho with a possible return to the club.

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