Real Madrid's star striker Kylian Mbappé has publicly criticized coach Álvaro Arbeloa, claiming the former defender told him he was only the fourth-choice forward. The outburst came after Mbappé was left out of the starting lineup for the La Liga match against Real Oviedo, a game Real Madrid won 2-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu on Thursday evening.
Speaking to journalists after the match, Mbappé did not hold back his frustration. “I didn't start because the coach said in his eyes I am only the fourth striker, behind Mastantuono, Vinícius Júnior, and Gonzalo. I accept that,” the 27-year-old Frenchman said. He entered the field in the 68th minute to loud jeers from the home fans and set up Jude Bellingham's second goal eleven minutes later.
The rift between player and coach is the latest in a series of incidents that have destabilized the Spanish giants. According to Spanish media, Mbappé had recently traveled to Italy with actress Ester Expósito while recovering from an injury, drawing criticism that he was prioritizing leisure over his rehabilitation ahead of the upcoming World Cup. “I was 100 percent fit,” Mbappé insisted. “I was ready to start, it was the coach's decision. You cannot be angry with the coach, you must always accept his decision. I will continue to work hard and wait to become a starter again.”
Arbeloa, who replaced Xabi Alonso as head coach in January, reacted with surprise to Mbappé's claims. “I don't have four strikers, and I never said such a thing to Mbappé. He probably misunderstood. I really don't know what to tell you,” the 43-year-old coach told reporters. Arbeloa, a former Real Madrid right-back who won multiple Champions League titles with the club, has faced a challenging start to his managerial tenure as the team struggles to find consistency.
The discord between Mbappé and Arbeloa comes amid a backdrop of internal turmoil. Earlier this week, the club imposed fines of €500,000 each on midfielders Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni after a physical altercation in the dressing room. Reports indicated that Valverde suffered head injuries during the scuffle. The incident has further soured the atmosphere in a squad already under pressure from demanding fans and a tight title race.
Meanwhile, speculation is mounting that José Mourinho could return to Real Madrid for a second stint. According to transfer journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the Portuguese tactician is poised to leave Benfica, where his contract runs until 2027. Tavolieri claims that Mourinho will address his future next week, though neither the club nor Mourinho has confirmed. Mourinho previously coached Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, winning La Liga in 2012 and the Copa del Rey in 2011.
Mbappé's relationship with Real Madrid has been complex since he finally joined the club in the summer of 2024 after years of speculation. He arrived from Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent, signing a five-year deal worth a reported €200 million in total. In his first season, Mbappé scored 42 goals in all competitions, helping Real Madrid win the La Liga title and reach the Champions League final, where they lost to Manchester City. However, his second season has been marred by injuries, inconsistent form, and now open conflict with the coaching staff.
Analysts point to a deeper problem within the Real Madrid hierarchy. The club has cycled through three coaches in two years: Carlo Ancelotti left at the end of the 2024-25 season to take charge of Brazil, Xabi Alonso stepped in but struggled, and now Arbeloa faces an uncertain future. The board has been criticized for failing to back the coach in internal disputes, and the influence of senior players—including Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, and now Mbappé—often overshadows the manager's authority.
Mbappé's public critique of Arbeloa could be seen as a power play, similar to his behavior at PSG, where he had several run-ins with coaches such as Christophe Galtier and Luis Enrique. The French star is known for demanding a prominent role both on and off the pitch, and he has not shied away from airing grievances in the media. Many believe that only a coach of Mourinho's stature could handle the egos in the dressing room. “Mourinho knows how to manage big egos. He did it before with Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos,” said football commentator Guillem Balagué. “But times have changed. The new generation of superstars may not respond to his famously tough tactics.”
As the season enters its final weeks, Real Madrid sit third in La Liga, five points behind leaders Barcelona. The club also faces a challenging Champions League quarterfinal against Bayern Munich. With internal fractures becoming public, the pressure on president Florentino Pérez is mounting. He must decide whether to keep Arbeloa in place or make a change. A return of Mourinho would undoubtedly make headlines worldwide and could either unify or further divide the squad.
The next few days will be crucial. Mourinho is expected to make a statement on his future next week. Meanwhile, Mbappé and Arbeloa will have to find a way to coexist on the training pitch. Real Madrid fans, accustomed to glory and stability, are growing restless. The club's legendary status demands that internal disputes be resolved quickly, but the current situation suggests that a long, turbulent summer lies ahead.
For now, Mbappé continues to train in the spotlight of controversy. His talent is undeniable, but his conduct is once again raising questions about his long-term fit at the biggest club in the world. If Mourinho does return, the dynamic could change completely. One thing is certain: the drama at Real Madrid is far from over.
Source: Tages-Anzeiger News