From a heartwarming stadium dedication in his hometown, Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni opens up to 'Marca' on France's clashes with Spain and shares his thoughts on the coaching prowess of Xabi Alonso, all while navigating a challenging international break.
Fresh from the international break, Aurelien Tchouameni embarked on a poignant journey to his childhood home in Artigues-près-Bordeaux. The occasion? A momentous ceremony to inaugurate the stadium of his boyhood club, now proudly bearing his name. Amidst the celebrations, the Real Madrid midfielder granted 'Marca' an exclusive interview, offering candid insights into life with the 'Merengues' and the French national squad. While the break brought two vital victories, it was bittersweet for Tchouameni, personally marred by his controversial dismissal against Iceland.
Turning to the international arena, Tchouameni remained grounded, despite France's flawless start with two crucial victories. "We can't assume it's already done, it's not going to be easy because there are strong rivals in the group," he cautioned. His assessment points to a challenging path ahead for France, who navigate a group featuring Iceland, Ukraine, and Azerbaijan.
Probed on the Spanish national team, the Real Madrid star openly expressed his admiration. "It's clear that they are one of the great national teams, one of the most powerful," Tchouameni affirmed, "but they are not the only one. In any case, we will take it step by step." And despite the bitter memories of Euro and Nations League eliminations at the hands of 'La Roja', he swiftly dismissed any notions of a revenge mission. "I don't see it as revenge, and neither does anyone in France," he declared emphatically. "Each World Cup has its own story. The whole group dreamed of lifting the trophy, but it wasn't to be. We have to look forward."
Turning his attention to Real Madrid, Tchouameni conveyed a deep satisfaction with his ongoing development. While not directly coached by him, the midfielder acknowledged the rising influence of figures like Xabi Alonso in the coaching world. "I am happy with my progress, to be honest," he stated. "It's true that things are going well for me under Carlo Ancelotti, and he brings fresh ideas to me and the team. However, I truly believe my form has significantly improved since the start of 2025, and I was already feeling strong with Carlo even before then."
"In any case, the immediate focus is on each upcoming match, contributing to my teammates, and continuously striving for personal growth," the Frenchman affirmed. He then went on to laud his current mentor, Carlo Ancelotti, while also acknowledging the distinct philosophy of another celebrated tactician. "There are differences between Carlo and Xabi, it's normal," he observed, "each one has his own idea and his own style, but they are both undeniably great coaches."