Real Madrid beat Real Oviedo 2-0 on Thursday night, but the result quickly became secondary after Kylian Mbappé publicly revealed a private conversation with Álvaro Arbeloa.
“Today I didn’t play because the coach told me that I am the fourth striker in the squad behind Mastantuono, Vini and Gonzalo. I accept it and I will play whatever time he gives me.”
Arbeloa immediately denied the claim.
“I neither have four strikers nor have I said such a phrase.”
The fallout dominated discussion on spanish radio
program, El Larguero, where Álvaro Benito surprisingly defended the coach’s decision — but questioned the timing.
“I understand the decision Arbeloa has taken. I value what he has done, even if it is late, because when you really have to impose yourself is when everything is still at stake and when you see there is a lack of rigor in the obligations the players have to fulfill on the pitch. That is when you really have to impose yourself.”
Benito continued:
“At a sporting level it arrives late. The next coach, the first thing he has to do when he arrives in the dressing room is impose himself.”
He also made clear what he believes Madrid’s next manager must do.
“You have to impose discipline and the players have to do things your way. Whoever does not do it has to accept the consequences. The moment you show weakness, you are dead.”
