Substitute at kick-off this evening against Real Oviedo (2-0), Kylian Mbappé was nevertheless able to start the match as he confided to the press. According to the Blues striker, Arbeloa told him that he was the fourth striker in the team behind Gonzalo Garcia, Vinicius Junior and Franco Mastantuono. This was formally denied by the person concerned a few minutes later. In Spain, this succession of exchanges has already caused new unease.
““I would like to have four attackers but I don’t have any, and I never said that to Mbappé. He probably didn’t understand. I don’t really know what to tell you. I could never have told him he was the fourth attacker. It’s clear that if I don’t make him play, it’s because he can’t play. I’m the coach, and I decide who plays and who doesn’t. I spoke with him before the match. I don’t know how he could have interpreted that. A player who was not on the bench four days ago should not have started today. It’s not a final, it’s not a decisive match. Gonzalo had a great game the other day, and we have a game on Sunday where he will start up front. That’s all. I don’t have a problem with anyone. I decide who plays, and I understand that those who don’t play aren’t happy. I understand that Mbappé is unhappy not to play, but it is a decision taken according to the circumstances. I didn’t want to take any risks by playing it three days in advance. It was the most logical, natural and common sense thing to do.”
