Just two more games, and this chaotic and extremely turbulent season for Real Madrid will be over. What happens next remains to be seen, but coach Álvaro Arbeloa has spoken out about his potential successor—and also discussed Kylian Mbappé.
As if Real didn’t have enough issues to deal with these days, star striker Kylian Mbappé has now publicly criticized Alvaro Arbeloa. “I’m doing very well; I’m at 100 percent. I didn’t play because the coach told me that, for him, I’m the fourth striker on the roster—behind Mastantuono, Vinicius, and Gonzalo,” said the Frenchman after the 2-0 win over Oviedo, in which he wasn’t substituted in until the 69th minute and was then booed.
At the press conference on Saturday ahead of the penultimate league match in Seville, Arbeloa, who had contradicted the Frenchman’s account, commented on the matter in greater detail once again. “I just saw him and told him to relax. It may sound surprising, but I had already discussed what he said with him. I’m taking it in stride,” the coach downplayed the matter. “I know what it’s like to always play and then suddenly not. I know he wasn’t happy—and that’s fine. To me, that’s completely normal. Given the situation, it was best that he only played in the second half. I have no problem with him.”
It makes perfect sense that the coach is trying to avoid creating another problem in these turbulent times. “It didn’t hurt me. I talk to my players and tell them how I feel. I spoke with him before the game, and what I explained to him, I’ve also explained to you,” said Arbeloa.
Arbeloa on Mourinho: “If he comes back, I’ll be very happy”
The coach of the Royals is certainly not to be envied at the moment. His future is completely up in the air, and a return of José Mourinho (who was at Real between 2010 and 2013) to Madrid is on the horizon. Arbeloa was also asked about his potential successor—and even commented: “As soon as the club has made a decision, they will announce it when they deem it appropriate. I’ve always been straightforward with José. I’ve always made it very clear what I think of him. As his former player, but also as a Madridista, he’s number one for me. He’ll always be one of us. If he comes back, I’ll be very happy to have him with us again.”
Mourinho’s return would, of course, mean that Arbeloa loses his position as head coach. He has been in the role since January 12—and has been through a lot since then. “The hardest thing at this club is always when you don’t win. What hurts me the most is not being able to help the players win the title. Because of the pressure we’re under, because of the hopes of so many people resting on our shoulders. Not being able to help them has hit me the hardest,” said the 43-year-old, who will end the season without a title with the Blancos.