Mbappe: ‘Coach Told Me I'm 4th-Choice Striker’

Kylian Mbappe revealed that he was ready to feature in Real Madrid’s recent defeat to Barcelona, but did not do so because interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa told him that he is the “fourth-choice forward.”

The French international was reported to have missed the El Clásico due to injury.

Check Out: Casillas: ‘I don't want Mourinho at Real Madrid’

He, however, still made headlines after posting a picture of the match with the caption: “Hala Madrid.” Due to the picture showing Los Blancos losing by two goals, supporters felt that they were being trolled by the Frenchman, sparking backlash.

Fans made their feelings towards the 27-year-old known when he came off the bench during his side's 2-0 victory over Real Oviedo on Thursday, with the player being met by jeers and boos from the home supporters.

Speaking after the encounter, the Frenchman was quizzed on his absence against Barca and revealed that he was ready to play.

“I'm well, I'm 100%," Mbappe said per TNT Sports. “I didn't play because the coach (Arbeloa) told me I'm the fourth-choice forward in the squad behind (Franco) Mastantuono, Vinicius (Junior) and Gonzalo (Garcia). I accept it and play the time I'm given. I think I played well.

“I was ready to start. I'm not angry with the manager. You always have to respect a coach's decision. I'll work hard to get back into the starting line-up.”

However, when Arbeloa was asked about the attacker's comments, he denied what the France captain had claimed.

“I wish I had four forwards,” Arbeloa said.

“I don't have four forwards, and I certainly didn't say anything like that to Mbappe. Perhaps he didn't understand me.

“I don't know what else to tell you. At no point could I tell him that he's the fourth-choice forward.

“I'm the coach, and I'm the one who decides who plays and who doesn't. I had a conversation with him before the match. I don't know how he might have interpreted it.”

Check Out: End of Mbappe and Madrid in Sight?

He continued: “A player who wasn't on the bench four days ago shouldn't start today. It's not a final, it's not a do-or-die situation... That's all. I don't have any problem with anyone.

“I can understand that Mbappe isn't happy about not playing, but it's a decision based on the circumstances. It was the most logical and natural thing to do, the most common-sense thing."