Kylian Mbappe returned to action for Real Madrid on Thursday night, assisting Jude Bellingham in a 2-0 victory over Real Oviedo. However, the French forward’s post-match comments swiftly overshadowed the win, revealing a surprising rift with head coach Alvaro Arbeloa and casting further light on reported internal “chaos” at the club.
Mbappe, who had missed the previous two games with a muscle injury, entered the match as a 69th-minute substitute. While he set up Bellingham for Real Madrid’s second goal after Gonzalo Garcia had opened the scoring, the immediate focus shifted to his playing status. A small section of Madrid fans reportedly jeered Mbappe upon his introduction.
Speaking after the game, Mbappe claimed he was fully fit but had been sidelined by the manager’s decision. “I’m 100 per cent fine,” Mbappe stated, “I haven’t played because the manager told me I’m the fourth-choice striker in the squad behind [Franco] Mastantuono, Vini and Gonzalo. I was ready to start, it’s his decision and you always have to respect it. I’m not angry.”
He further elaborated on his relationship with Arbeloa, adding, “I have no problem with Arbeloa. You have to respect him. You have to accept the coach’s philosophy, and I have to do my best to play ahead of Vini, Gonzalo and Mastantuono. I don’t watch the manager’s press conferences. At home, I have French television, not Spanish.”
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Arbeloa, however, offered a different account. In a subsequent press conference, the Real Madrid head coach denied Mbappe’s assertion. “He won’t have understood well, I don’t know what to tell you, I haven’t told him he’s the fourth striker,” Arbeloa said, as reported by Marca.
Internal turmoil at the Bernabeu
Mbappe’s comments arrive amidst widespread reports of Real Madrid having “descended into chaos” during his recent absence. This alleged turmoil includes an altercation between teammates Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni, as well as speculation surrounding a rift between Mbappe and Bellingham, fueled by post-match footage where Bellingham appeared to avoid his teammate.
Spanish football expert Graham Hunter earlier this month claimed there was ‘dissatisfaction’ among the coach and some players regarding Mbappe’s ‘work ethic’. Mbappe himself reflected on the season, stating the team “started well but lost everything in the second part” and “have not won titles.” He also noted his “great relationship” with previous boss Xabi Alonso, who was sacked in January.
Coaching changes and presidential controversy
The club’s instability extends beyond the dressing room. Head coach Alvaro Arbeloa is reportedly set to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season, with Jose Mourinho rumoured to return as his replacement. Off the pitch, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez called for elections three years early, facing accusations of sexism towards two female journalists and making a controversial comment about likely rival Enrique Riquelme’s “funny accent… a South American, Mexican accent.” Perez also reportedly asked if journalists “want to kill me.”
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As the season draws to a close, Real Madrid finds itself navigating a complex landscape of player discontent, coaching uncertainty, and boardroom controversy, with Mbappe’s latest remarks adding another layer of intrigue.
Sources: www.sportbible.com, www.marca.com
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