LaLiga: Mbappé says Arbeloa demoted him to fourth striker.

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has expressed dissatisfaction with the club after a recent conversation with manager Álvaro Arbeloa.

The French star said that Arbeloa told him he is no longer the first‑choice striker, but has been moved to fourth in the attacking hierarchy at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Mbappé returned from a thigh injury and entered the match as a substitute for Los Blancos, who are set to finish a second consecutive season without a major trophy after Barcelona was crowned league champions last week.

Without Mbappé, Madrid lost the Clasico at Camp Nou on Sunday, confirming Hansi Flick’s team as title winners.

The club’s leading goalscorer has faced criticism from fans in recent weeks for what is seen as a lack of commitment to the side.

Gonzalo García opened the scoring for second‑place Madrid before half‑time, and Jude Bellingham added a second goal in a routine victory over relegated Oviedo, in a stadium that was largely empty.

Arbeloa, whose future as Madrid coach appears uncertain amid rumours that José Mourinho may return to the Bernabéu bench, started the match with both Mbappé and England international Bellingham on the bench.

In a press conference after the game, Mbappé said:

“I was prepared to start, but Arbeloa informed me that I am now the fourth striker.”

“It’s acceptable; we must respect the coach’s decisions. I will be putting in even more effort.”

“Arbeloa mentioned that I am the fourth striker behind Vini Jr, Gonzalo, and Mastantuono.”

“I recall people suggesting I needed to rest in the Copa del Rey, that I was playing too frequently… and then we were eliminated by a lower‑division team.”

“I do not watch Arbeloa’s press conferences. At home, I have French television, not Spanish television.”