"I like that Mbappé is dissatisfied" – Arbeloa comments on the Frenchman's situation
Real Madrid head coach Álvaro Arbeloa addressed the rumors surrounding Kylian Mbappé and his dissatisfaction with playing time head-on during a pre-match press conference ahead of the clash with Sevilla.
Details: The Blancos' boss didn't try to downplay the issue, instead openly supporting the French forward's ambitions. Arbeloa emphasized that passion for the game and the desire to be on the pitch every single minute is exactly what sets a top footballer apart.
"I just saw him before coming out to the press and told him: 'Relax, I'll handle it myself.' I fully understand that things like this quickly become big news. But Kylian was unhappy recently because he didn't play, and I love that! Honestly, I wouldn't understand it if he, being Mbappé, didn't want to be on the pitch," the Spanish coach admitted candidly.
Arbeloa explained that the decision to only bring Mbappé on in the second half of the previous match was a calculated tactical move. The coaching staff deliberately managed the Frenchman's workload to ensure he would be at his best for the crucial and challenging away fixture against Sevilla. The coach added that all decisions were discussed with Kylian face-to-face before the match, so within the team, the situation is seen as completely natural.
Journalists also asked Arbeloa whether he was bothered by the fact that details of his private conversations with the player ended up in the press.
"No, it didn't bother me at all. When I talk with my players, I have no fear that they might share our conversation with someone else. Of course, I prefer when what’s private stays private, but there's absolutely no problem here. My relationship with Mbappé remains exactly the same as before," he concluded.
It should be noted that Real Madrid's match against Sevilla is scheduled for tomorrow, May 17th, at 19:00 Central European Time.
Reminder: Álvaro Arbeloa bid farewell to Real Madrid and confirmed the club's talks with Mourinho.
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
