Tchouameni Praises Alonso Amidst Team Turmoil
Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has recently heaped praise on manager Xabi Alonso while on international duty with France. This comes at a moment when Alonso’s rapport with the dressing room is under scrutiny, yet Tchouameni credits the Basque manager for helping him evolve as a player.
While their playing styles may differ significantly, both Tchouameni and Alonso have shared similar ground on the pitch. Under Alonso’s guidance, Tchouameni has become a fixture in the squad, feeling he has made substantial strides in his game thanks to his coach’s mentorship.
“From day one, we had a video meeting, just him and me,” Tchouameni told L’Equipe, as cited by Diario AS. “He showed me footage from the season focusing on my positioning and areas for improvement—both on and off the ball. Since the beginning of this season, I feel I’ve progressed in many aspects.”
A Defining Moment for Tchouameni
The 25-year-old midfielder reflects on a time less than a year ago when his place in the Real Madrid lineup was questioned, with some even suggesting a potential transfer. Following a particularly disheartening 5-2 defeat to Barcelona, Tchouameni faced fans’ discontent, yet he considers it a significant turning point in his career.
“I remember in the Clasico, I was played as a center-back, which isn’t my natural position. I left feeling I had underperformed. The backlash was immediate, and I felt like I was unfairly singled out,” he recounted. “Before the game against Celta, I thought, ‘Let’s see how the fans treat me tomorrow.’ During warm-ups, there was no reaction, but when the match commenced, I was met with boos.”
He continued, “Every time I touched the ball, I felt that negativity. It was bewildering—was it me they were targeting? I quickly realized others were met with jeers too. Rather than surrender to that pressure, I decided to focus on my game. With each good play, the boos began to fade away. It turned into a fantastic performance for me and, in hindsight, I recognize it as a pivotal moment in my journey.”
Areas of Growth
When pressed for specifics on his development, Tchouameni emphasized how Alonso has refined his understanding of positioning.
“It’s about ball positioning, forward movement, and being aware of the ‘squares.’ You can run tirelessly, but it’s essential to know how to run effectively. Sometimes, a well-timed move can allow you to receive the ball with less effort.”
Evolving Midfield Dynamics
Under Alonso’s management, Tchouameni has not only reclaimed his form but has emerged as one of Real Madrid’s more reliable players. Nevertheless, questions loom over the dynamics surrounding him. Jude Bellingham, returning from injury, is also showing promise, but there remains a sentiment that Tchouameni is yet to find the perfect partner in midfield.
As the season progresses, Tchouameni’s growth under Alonso offers a glimmer of hope for a team grappling with both internal and external pressures.
