Kylian Mbappe says he is the fourth-choice striker at Real Madrid after he was left out of the starting line-up

BBC – Kylian Mbappe insisted he has “no problem at all” with manager Alvaro Arbeloa after being jeered by sections of the home crowd during Real Madrid’s victory at the Bernabeu on Thursday.

The French forward was whistled by his own fans after coming on in the 69th minute, having started on the bench behind Vinicius Junior, Gonzalo Garcia and Franco Mastantuono in attack.

Mbappe had missed Madrid’s previous two matches with a thigh injury, including Sunday’s defeat to Barcelona that handed their rivals the La Liga title.

The 27-year-old, however, dismissed suggestions of tension within the squad despite recent criticism over his commitment to the club and growing frustration among supporters.

“I’m 100% fine,” Mbappe said after the match.

“I haven’t played because for the coach I’ve been the fourth striker in the squad behind Mastantuono, Vini and Gonzalo.“

I was ready to start, it’s his decision and it always has to be respected.

“I have no problem at all with Arbeloa. You have to accept the coach’s philosophy and I have to do better to play ahead of Vini, Gonzalo and Mastantuono.”

Arbeloa later clarified that Mbappe was not fit enough to start after recently recovering from injury.

“For me it is very clear that a player who four days ago could not be on the bench, today should not start,” Arbeloa explained.

Real Madrid’s difficult season without silverware has increased pressure around the club, especially after repeated defeats to Barcelona.

Club president Florentino Perez recently defended the club against critics during a fiery press conference, while frustration among fans was also visible during Thursday’s game when stewards removed a banner reading “Florentino go now”.

Mbappe also addressed the whistles from supporters, saying criticism is part of life at Real Madrid.

“The whistles… that’s life, you can’t change the opinion of the people when they are angry,” he said.“It’s the life of a Real Madrid player and a famous player like me.

“Footballers don’t always have to understand, they have to accept and look forward and change the situation.”

Despite the tension, Madrid supporters still had reasons to celebrate as Gonzalo Garcia opened the scoring before Jude Bellingham sealed the win late on against the already relegated visitors.