Mbappé, once again at the center of controversy

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Mbappé
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Kylian Mbappé is once again at the center of controversy at Real Madrid. The French forward was a substitute against Oviedo and, after the match, made statements that have not gone unnoticed when explaining the reasons for his absence from the starting eleven. The attacker said that the coaching staff had told him he was the "fourth forward" on the squad, a phrase that has sparked debate and once more puts the spotlight on his situation in the team. Mbappé came on in the second half, but his initial role on the bench has opened a new conversation about his importance in Arbeloa's plans.

Arbeloa clarifies the Frenchman's version

After the player's remarks, Álvaro Arbeloa wanted to ease the tension and denied having literally told him he was the fourth forward. The coach explained that he spoke with Mbappé before the match, although he suggested the player might have interpreted the message that way. The coach defended his decision as a matter of management and made it clear that he counts on the Frenchman for upcoming commitments. Even so, the episode has increased the noise around the white dressing room at a point in the season where every gesture and statement are analyzed in detail.