Tension continues growing inside Real Madrid after another uncomfortable night at the Bernabeu.
The atmosphere around the club has become increasingly toxic in recent weeks following dressing-room disputes, fan frustration and growing uncertainty around several senior figures.
Now another public disagreement has emerged involving Kylian Mbappe and manager Alvaro Arbeloa.
Mbappe returned from injury during Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory against Real Oviedo on Thursday night but started the match on the bench.
The French forward was introduced during the second half after Gonzalo Garcia opened the scoring before Jude Bellingham added another goal later in the game.
Mbappe’s introduction was met with boos from sections of the Bernabeu crowd as criticism around the forward continues increasing.
Speaking after the match, Mbappe claimed Arbeloa informed him he had dropped behind several teammates in the attacking pecking order. The French star said:
“Arbeloa told me I’m the fourth striker behind Vini Jr, Gonzalo and Mastantuono.”
The Frenchman insisted he respected the decision and claimed he would continue working to regain his place in the starting lineup.
Arbeloa, however, quickly rejected those comments during his own post-match press conference. The Real Madrid manager responded:
“It never happened that I told Mbappé he’s our fourth striker. Maybe he misunderstood. I’ve never said it.
“I wish I had four attackers… I don’t have four attackers, and I didn’t say anything like that to Mbappé. He probably didn’t understand me.”
The Spaniard explained the decision was linked to fitness concerns following Mbappe’s recent injury absence and insisted it would have made little sense to start him immediately. Arbeloa added:
“As long as I’m in this chair, I am the onewho decides who plays and who doesn’t. I do not care what their names are. If they like it, fine, and if not, they can wait for the next one”.
The disagreement arrives during a chaotic period for Real Madrid. Recent reports have highlighted multiple dressing-room altercations involving senior players.
Also, club president Florentino Perez has also faced growing criticism after several explosive public appearances.
Real Madrid’s disappointing campaign will now end without a major trophy after losing the La Liga title to Barcelona.
🚨 Álvaro Arbeloa: “It never happened that I told Mbappé he’s our fourth striker. Maybe he misunderstood. I’ve NEVER said it”. pic.twitter.com/Gl85TVbfZt
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 14, 2026
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