Real Madrid tension grows as Kylian Mbappé disputes role under Álvaro Arbeloa

Kylian Mbappé has reportedly created fresh tension at Real Madrid after claiming interim coach Álvaro Arbeloa reduced his importance in the squad.

The French forward spoke after Madrid’s 2-0 win against Real Oviedo, a game that did little to calm the growing frustration between the player and sections of the club’s supporters.

Mbappé came on from the bench and provided an assist for Jude Bellingham’s goal, but he was still greeted with loud boos from some fans inside the Santiago Bernabéu.

The reaction from supporters comes after reports of an online petition calling for the striker to leave the club following Madrid’s recent struggles, including their 2-0 defeat to FC Barcelona that confirmed the La Liga title for their rivals.

After the match, Mbappé questioned why he was left out of the starting line-up and suggested that his place in the team had dropped.

“I was ready to start but Arbeloa told me I am the fourth striker now,” Mbappé said.

“It’s okay, we have to accept the coach’s decision. I will continue to work harder. I am fully fit and ready to play. Why I didn’t start? Ask the manager.”

However, Arbeloa quickly rejected the claims and insisted he never told the player he was fourth-choice in attack.

“It never happened that I told Mbappé he’s our fourth striker,” the Madrid coach said.

“Maybe he misunderstood. I have never said that.”

The disagreement has added more pressure around the club as Madrid prepare for changes after missing out on the league title.