LaLiga: Arbeloa dismisses Mbappé’s fourth‑striker claim, saying “I don’t care what your name is”

Real Madrid coach Álvarez Arbeloa has told his squad that player selection is based on performance rather than personal names.

The comment came after Kylian Mbappé claimed that the manager had placed him as the club’s fourth striker.

Following Real Madrid’s 2‑0 win over Real Oviedo in LaLiga on Thursday night, Mbappé said that Arbeloa had ranked him behind Vinícius Júnior, Gonzalo, and Mastantuono.

Arbeloa denied the claim, saying Mbappé had misunderstood his remarks and that the team does not have four forwards.

“I wish I had four attackers… I don’t have four attackers, and I didn’t say anything like that to Mbappé. He probably didn’t understand me,” the coach told reporters after the match.

“It has never occurred that I told Mbappé he is our fourth striker. Perhaps he misunderstood. I’ve never stated that.”

He added, “As long as I occupy this position, I am the one who decides who plays and who does not.”

“I do not concern myself with their names. If they are pleased, that is fine; if not, they may wait for the next opportunity.”