Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfielder on the Mbappe links in the summer: “Of course, it was a possibility”
Speaking at a press conference ahead of France’s international fixtures this week, Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni acknowledged that the arrival of Kylian Mbappe to the club this past summer was a possibility.
Mbappe announced early in the summer that he did not wish to extend his contract with PSG beyond 2024, sparking rumours of a move to Real Madrid as the Parisians did not wish to lose him for free next year.
But it was not to be as the Frenchman wished to stay and see out his contract in Paris while Los Blancos themselves did not make any concrete move for the World Cup winner.
As such, he stayed put at PSG and when asked about the whole saga, Tchouameni said:
“Of course, it was a possibility. A lot of things can happen in football. Every team in the world wants him. He’s at PSG now, so we’re not going to talk about it any more than that. We’re very happy with what we’ve got today.”
Having moved to Real Madrid in 2022, Tchouameni had an up and down debut season, with his form particularly tapering down in the second half of the season.
Talking about his first campaign in Spain and his improvements over the summer, he said:
“Last season was a very rewarding one for me, and at the end of the season, I took stock of where I could improve. That enabled me to put a programme in place this summer, and it’s worked well at the start of the season.”
On his partnership with compatriot Eduardo Camavinga at the club and international level, Tchouameni added:
“Of course it’s a plus to have players from the same team. When you play with a player on a daily basis, you create a bond on the pitch, which is important during matches. It’s definitely good to play with a partner in the national team and at club level.”
The Frenchman also touched on the change of tactics at Real Madrid and his new role as the solitary pivot midfielder, saying:
“Above all, I try to follow the coach’s instructions. I’ve adapted well to the number 6 position, I’m enjoying myself and I can still get involved in Real’s system of play.”
Source: RMC Sport
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid retain total confidence in Carlo Ancelotti despite derby disaster – report
Sunday night was a disappointing one for Real Madrid as they succumbed to a 3-1 defeat to arch-rivals Atletico Madrid in the Madrid derby at the Civitas Metropolitano.
The Merengues suffered their first defeat of the 2023/24 season as former striker Alvaro Morata scored a brace for the Rojiblancos while Antoine Griezmann was also on target.
Real Madrid might be feeling aggrieved by some of the calls made by the referee on the night but they were just not good enough to secure all three points at the Metropolitano.
Real Madrid retain full confidence in Ancelotti
Despite the disappointing performance and outcome, Real Madrid retain their full and total confidence in manager Carlo Ancelotti, reports Jose Felix Diaz (via RM4Arab).
There had been question marks about the team selection made by the manager for the derby against Atletico Madrid.
After all, the Italian opted to bench Joselu from the starting XI to bring in Luka Modric and shift the tactics.
Aurelien Tchouameni was also left out despite being one of the team’s strongest performers this season with Toni Kroos being preferred.
The Real Madrid hierarchy wishes for the manager to trust the next-gen midfield for the big games but Ancelotti’s selection indicated that he is still not ready to do so.
Despite there being some differences, the board retains full confidence in Ancelotti.
Ancelotti accepts blame for defeat
It was a disappointing performance from Real Madrid in their biggest test of the 2023/24 season so far and speaking after the match, manager Ancelotti accepted the blame for the outcome.
“Maybe I could have done it better. It’s pretty clear. When the team doesn’t do what it has to do, it’s my responsibility. It’s my fault,” Ancelotti said.
With the game done and dusted, Real Madrid now turn their focus towards producing a strong comeback when they face Las Palmas later this week.
