Spanish coach Alvaro Arbeloa has responded strongly to recent claims involving Kylian Mbappé after the French star was left on the bench before entering in the second half.
Speaking after the match, Arbeloa dismissed reports that he had called Mbappé the “fourth striker” in his squad. The coach insisted his comments had been misunderstood and made it clear that team selection remains entirely his decision.
“I never told Mbappé he’s the fourth striker, he misunderstood maybe,” Arbeloa said. “But I decide for my team and the best thing was now Mbappé on the bench entering in the second half tonight.”
The statement quickly grabbed attention across football circles as questions continue to grow around Mbappé’s role and relationship with the coaching staff. Despite the growing noise, Arbeloa showed no signs of backing down from his stance.
“As long as I’m in this chair, I am the one who decides who plays and who doesn’t,” he added. “I do not care what their names are. If they like it, fine, and if not, they can wait for the next one.”
The comments underline Arbeloa’s strong managerial approach and his desire to keep authority inside the dressing room, regardless of a player’s reputation or status.