Alvaro Arbeloa spoke to the media after Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Real Oviedo. He was asked about Kylian Mbappe’s comments about him being the fourth-choice striker, to which he said: “I wish I had four strikers. I don’t know what to say. I don’t have four strikers, and I didn’t say that. He probably didn’t understand me; I’m not really sure what to say.”
Arbeloa on whether there is a problem between them
“If I don’t play him, he can’t play. I decide; I’m the coach. I spoke with him earlier, and I don’t know how he might have interpreted it. He shouldn’t
have started today because it’s not a matter of life or death. We have a match on Sunday, and he’ll definitely be the starting striker. Seven days later, he’ll have earned his place as the starting striker. I decide who plays. I understand that whoever isn’t playing isn’t happy. I can understand that he’s not happy, but it’s a decision based on the circumstances. I didn’t want to take any risks. It was the most logical, common-sense thing to do.”
Arbeloa on Mbappe saying they lost their structure
“If you’d like, you can show me the press conference and we can discuss it. I think it would be good if he thought that; he’s probably scored many more goals in the first half of the season than in the second.”
Arbeloa on Mbappe wanting to start
“I said that a player who couldn’t even make the bench four days ago should come on in the second half. He’ll start on Sunday. Gonzalo deserved to play today; I understand that those who don’t start aren’t happy. But as long as I’m in this position, I’m going to make the decisions. If they like it, fine; if not, they can wait until next time.”
Arbeloa on whether this is normal
“It hasn’t only happened with Kylian, but with many other players as well. These situations arise due to circumstances; they’ve been different for me than with other coaches at the club. I have a clear conscience, and I’m going to do the best I can. I don’t care; I’ll do what I think is best until the very last day.”
Arbeloa on Mbappe getting booed
“I always ask for the support of my players.”
Arbeloa on how they will fix Vinicius and Mbappe getting booed
“I’m sure they’ll do it; they’re capable. They’re two pillars, the most decisive players, and the club has high hopes for them. The fans are demanding, and when they return to playing like they know how, the applause will return.”
Arbeloa on whether his players are ‘ungrateful’
“I don’t expect from my players what I’ve given them; I know how players are. I know how they think, especially players of this caliber. I’m capable of understanding everything. I wouldn’t change a single thing I’ve done or said.”
Arbeloa on whether he is ‘suffering’ at the club
“You can never suffer at Real Madrid. It’s not a comfortable situation for us; we know the demands of this club, and another bad year is piling up, making things even more difficult. We have a huge responsibility; we have to go to Sevilla, and they deserve our full effort until the very end.”
Arbeloa on Santi Cazorla
“What can I say? He’s been a fantastic teammate, we’ve won so many things together, and he has a wonderful family. He’s one of the most talented players in Spanish football, and we’ve all enjoyed watching him. It’s hard to say, but as a person, he’s just as talented as he is as a player. It’s been an honor to play alongside him.”
