Real Madrid News
Tchouameni, Ramon react after RB Salzburg 0-3 Real Madrid – ‘Already thinking about Juventus’
Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouaméni was pleased with his team’s 3-0 win over RB Salzburg, a result that secured them top spot in their Club World Cup group.
Playing as the deepest centre-back in Xabi Alonso’s 3-5-2 system, Tchouameni praised the team’s performance and progress. “We played a good game, we followed the plan, and it’s a good win,” he shared after the match.
“We are comfortable with and without the ball, and we are getting better in the systems we are playing.”
Already preparing for Juventus clash
Looking ahead, Tchouameni knows the stakes are rising. “In the round of 16, we have to face Juventus.
“Every game is like a final now, so we must recover well and prepare in the best way possible,” he added, highlighting the focus within the squad as they get ready for the knockout stage.
Tchouameni also spoke about working with manager Xabi Alonso, saying, “I can’t tell you everything we talk about, but we know we need to stay compact with the forwards.
“We did a good job with the ball today, and we have to keep going. Every day we understand better what he wants from us.”
Ramon enjoys Club World Cup debut
Meanwhile, young centre-back Jacobo Ramon made his Club World Cup debut, coming on in the 67th minute for Antonio Rudiger, who gave everyone a scare when he looked hurt minutes earlier.
Ramon was excited about the opportunity, saying, “We’re very happy. We qualified as group winners, and it was a good win. Now, we’re already thinking about Juventus.”
He also shared his feelings about the start of Alonso’s time at the club: “The first matches with a new coach are always more difficult, but today the team looked much more organised, with clearer ideas, and I think that showed on the pitch.”
Lastly, the young defender also praised goalscorer Gonzalo Garcia, stating, “In the end, Gonzalo and I have known each other for a long time.
“We’re youth players, and the truth is, he’s doing incredibly well. I’m so happy for him; I congratulate him, and I hope he continues to do this well.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo
After a month into the new season, Aurelien Tchouameni is finally back in action for Real Madrid.
The Frenchman made his first appearance of the season for the Merengues last night against Inter Milan after recovering from the muscular injury that delayed his campaign.
His return to fitness had raised questions over where he would fit into Mourinho’s plans.
Tchouameni has been a regular in Real Madrid’s midfield for several seasons under different managers, but the end of last season was far less straightforward.
His confrontation with Federico Valverde, combined with speculation over his future at the club, created uncertainty about his position. His lack of a proper pre-season also appeared to put him behind other midfield options.
Bernardo Silva had established himself as an important figure, while Eduardo Camavinga was also ahead of Tchouameni in terms of match fitness.
With Real Madrid looking for greater creativity in midfield, there were questions over whether the Frenchman would still be a first-choice player.
Key for Mourinho
According to AS (h/t Bernabeu Digital), however, Mourinho has no such doubts. Tchouameni remains a key player for the Portuguese coach and is expected to be a starter.
Mourinho sees the French international as a midfielder without a direct replacement in the squad.
For Jose, Tchouameni provides something that none of the other midfielders in the squad do – a more defensive and positional presence, combining his tactical discipline with considerable physical strength.
His ability to shield the defence and provide balance could be particularly important for a Real Madrid side that want to defend aggressively and attack quickly in transition.
For that reason, his absence at the start of the campaign has not changed the manager’s view of his importance.
Mourinho faces a midfield selection problem
The challenge for Mourinho now is finding a way to fit all the pieces together.
If Tchouameni is guaranteed a starting position and Valverde is considered untouchable as captain, the obvious consequence is that Bernardo could find himself starting from the bench.
The summer arrival had been given an important role in helping Real Madrid control and distribute possession from deeper positions.
However, with Tchouameni and Valverde both occupying midfield places, Mourinho cannot accommodate everyone in the same lineup.
How the Portuguese coach manages that competition will be interesting to see in the coming weeks.
