The Digest:
Kylian Mbappé has claimed that Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa told him he is the "fourth-choice forward" behind Franco Mastantuono, Vinícius Júnior, and Gonzalo García. Speaking after being benched and then whistled by fans in Madrid's 2-0 win over Real Oviedo, Mbappé said he accepts the coach's decision and will work harder. Arbeloa immediately denied the claim, saying: "I certainly didn't say anything like that to Mbappé. Perhaps he didn't understand me." The public spat caps a trophyless season for Madrid.
Key Points:
- The he-said, he-said conflict exposes deep tension between Madrid's star player and coach.
- Mbappé was whistled by his own fans despite 24 goals this season, reflecting frustration with his form.
- Arbeloa insisted he decides who plays regardless of "what their names are, a direct swipe at Mbappé's status.
- Madrid has finished without a major trophy for the second consecutive year.
- Mbappé admitted the team "lost everything in the second half of the season" and lost their playing style
Sources: ESPN, X ,DAZN
