Rodrygo Gives Straightforward Response to Being Benched Should Kylian Mbappe Join Real Madrid

• Kylian Mbappe's potential arrival at Real Madrid could cause a tactical 'chaos'
• Rodrygo has been tipped to move to the bench if Mbappe arrives in the summer
• But the Brazilian forward gave a defiant response about being a bench warmer

Rodrygo Goes responded with confidence when questioned about the potential arrival of Kylian Mbappe and its impact on his playing time at Real Madrid.

The Brazilian, on Sunday, March 31, showcased his superb form by netting twice against Athletic Bilbao, securing a crucial 2-0 victory for Los Blancos as they inch closer to La Liga glory with eight games to spare.

With 13 goals already in the 2023-24 campaign across all competitions, Rodrygo has proven to be an integral part of Carlo Ancelotti's squad, ranking as the joint-third top scorer for Madrid, behind Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior according to Transfermarkt.

Samuel Chukwueze: AC Milan Coach Stefano Pioli Defends Nigerian After Stunning Goal vs Hellas Verona

Football

However, speculation has arisen regarding his role should Mbappe join Real Madrid in the summer transfer window following the latter's decision to leave PSG at the end of the summer, with the Spanish capital being his preferred destination.

Ancelotti's 'headache' ahead of Mbappe's arrival

Mbappe's potential acquisition poses a challenge for Ancelotti, who would need to devise a formation that accommodates all his star players effectively.

With Bellingham, Vinicius, Rodrygo, and Joselu already comprising Madrid's attacking options, the veteran head coach faces the task of managing his squad and tactical formations.

Ancelotti's current formation

Presently, the La Liga leaders are saddled with Bellingham, Vinicius, Rodrygo, and Joselu in attack, with the former AC Milan boss alternating between a 4-4-2 diamond formation and a 4-3-3 formation with Bellingham dovetailing a double attack of Vini and Rodrygo/Joselu.

Rodrygo's response to Mbappe benching him

Kylian Mbappe vs Erling Haaland: Madrid stars Bellingham, Tchouameni argue over who's best, Video

Football

Many pundits and fans anticipate Rodrygo being benched to make room for the France captain as club president Florentino Perez continues to shape his latest Galactico era.

However, when questioned about the possibility of reduced playing time to accommodate Mbappe, Rodrygo remained unfazed, stating to reporters as quoted by Fabrizio Romano:

“Mbappé to Real? I think it’s close as it’s what journalists say, I trust you guys! But I don’t know what’s going on”.

“If Mbappé comes, I will be benched? It will be a happy problem for the manager. I’m only focused on Real Madrid”.

Mbappe dismisses Arsenal transfer reports

In another transfer news related to Mbappe, Sports Brief reported that the Frenchman had dismissed the idea of joining Arsenal when approached by a fan who suggested he should join the Gunners after leaving PSG in the summer.

While several clubs, including Premier League teams, are reportedly interested in signing him, Mbappe's next destination remains undisclosed, but it's clear that it won't be Arsenal.