Real Madrid News
Tchouameni issues statement after training ground incident with Valverde – ‘What happened is unacceptable’
Following his physical altercation with Federico Valverde in the dressing room, Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has issued a statement apologising for his actions.
The incident took place on Thursday as the pair got into a verbal altercation which escalated into a fight inside the dressing room, with the Uruguayan even having to visit the hospital after taking a blow to his head.
Real Madrid have already issued a huge fine of €500,000 on both players after carrying out their internal investigation, with no suspensions being handed out.
Valverde, for his part, had already issued a statement about what went down, and now Tchouameni has shared his side of things.
Tchouameni’s statement
“What happened this week in training is unacceptable — I say this while thinking about the example we are expected to set for young people, whether in football or at school,” Tchouameni started.
“No matter who is right or wrong, we should always look for the calmest solution to resolve a conflict.”
Apologising for bringing the club’s image into disrepute, he added:
“Above all, I am sorry for the image we projected of the club. I know the fans, the staff, my teammates, the management, everyone is deeply disappointed by the way this season has unfolded. But frustration cannot excuse everything.”
Insisting that there is no space for incidents like these in the Real Madrid dressing room, Tchouameni stated:
“These incidents, even if they can happen in any dressing room, are not worthy of Real Madrid. Especially since Real Madrid is the most talked-about club in the world.”
Tchouameni acknowledged the club’s punishment and apologised to the fans, writing:
“Anyway, now is no longer the time to figure out who did what, who said what, or who was right or wrong. I acknowledge the club’s sanction and I accept it.”
“We remain family, with disagreements at times but we must always put our objectives above everything else. I apologized to the group, and I also want to extend my apologies to all Madridistas.”
Concluding, Tchouameni insisted on focusing on what comes next, as he wrote: “Now it is time to move forward, our focus is on El Clasico and on the season ahead, to bring the club back to the top, where it belongs.”
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid key midfielder ready to start vs Atletico Madrid after strong return from injury
Real Madrid have had a few injuries to contend with since the start of the season, with Aurelien Tchouameni, Thiago Pitarch and Endrick all serving spells on the sidelines.
The trio are back in training now and looking to work their way into Jose Mourinho’s plans after a disrupted pre-season.
Now, according to Alberto Pereiro, Tchouameni appears to be winning the race to return to Real Madrid’s starting XI for the derby against Atletico Madrid.
The 26-year-old is said to be in the best physical condition of the players who have recently returned from injury.
Thiago Pitarch, Endrick and Tchouameni all rejoined team training last week, but the Frenchman is currently considered the most match-ready of the three.
Tchouameni ahead in the recovery race
As such, Tchouameni is now expected to start against Atletico Madrid later this week. That would be an important boost for Mourinho considering the physical nature of the game in store.
Tchouameni gives Real Madrid something very specific in midfield. He can protect the defence, compete in duels, cover large spaces and provide the kind of structure Mourinho values when matches become chaotic.
His return would also allow Real Madrid to approach the game with more balance around Federico Valverde and the attacking players ahead of them.
Mourinho has always valued his profile
Mourinho has been careful with Tchouameni’s recovery rather than rushing him back before he was fully ready.
That patience now looks set to pay off. Madrid have enough technical quality in midfield, but against Atletico, the game is unlikely to be decided by possession alone.
The ability to win second balls, close transition spaces and survive physically intense periods could be just as important.
This is exactly where Tchouameni thrives.
Pitarch and Endrick may need more time
The latest update also suggests Pitarch and Endrick are slightly behind Tchouameni in terms of physical readiness.
That does not necessarily mean either player is unavailable, but it would make sense for Mourinho to manage their minutes more cautiously. The duo are expected to be fully ready after the international break.
Pitarch still has an important role to play in a crowded midfield, while Endrick will be looking to re-establish himself in the attacking rotation after his own injury interruption.
For the derby, neither of those players is likely to be an option for the XI, but Tchouameni will definitely be a great addition.
If he does start, it would underline how highly Mourinho values him in the biggest matches. At the Metropolitano, Madrid may need Tchouameni more than anyone else, and it remains to be seen how things play out.
