Tchouameni talks Mbappe, Modric, Camavinga, criticism ahead of Atletico vs Real Madrid | OneFootball

Real Madrid will face off against arch-rivals Atletico Madrid in the second-leg tie of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tomorrow at the Metropolitano.

The Merengues go into the game with a narrow advantage having won 2-1 in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu and will hope to finish the job tomorrow.

Ahead of the big game, in-form midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni accompanied Carlo Ancelotti to the press conference and addressed the media.

Kicking things off, the French international spoke about the team’s mindset going into the game, saying:

“The whole team is ready for the game. It will be difficult, but we will give everything. We are in a good moment and we want to win more titles this year.”

On the criticism

The 25-year-old had come under intense criticism this season due to inconsistent form but has turned things around in recent weeks. Talking about the support he received from the locker room during the difficult period, he said:

“We have an amazing squad. We support each other. It depends on what happens during the season. The most important thing is every game.

“You (the press) want to talk about every game (smiles) and that’s not a problem. But we stick together. It helps us to win and to play well.”

On being whistled and booed by the fans at the Bernabeu, he added: “At the start of every game, the important thing is to be focused. On what I have to do. Of course I hear the whistles during the game, but every game has its own story.

“The whistles started and then I did a good job in the match. That’s the most important thing.”

On the difference between playing at centre-back and in defensive midfield, he noted: “They are two completely different jobs. In defence you have more time to play, but the difference is that it’s more complicated to stay focused.

“You don’t have the ball for as long. In the centre you have to be more attentive all the time. They are different.”

Discussing the criticism that he has faced from French media, he added: “For me the most important thing is the match. We know that there is criticism all the time. Now you can be at the best level in the world and people will talk about your level.

“With experience we learn what to do. Sometimes you experience situations like that, but the important thing is to work, to do the same things. If you do the right things, you will play well.”

Tchouameni has recovered his form. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Talking about Ancelotti’s praise for his personality, he further added: “As I said, the most important thing is to stay focused. It doesn’t matter what happens during the match. At the end of the day, our concentration has to be high.

“Against Celta, I think about the game. And the next one, the next one… You shouldn’t pay attention to what people say. One day you’re good and the next you’re not. You have to be focused with a smile on your face.”

On his teammates

The midfielder then spoke about the support he has received from compatriot Kylian Mbappe, who defended him after the boos during the Celta Vigo clash.

“It’s incredible to talk about difficult days for him. Because he hasn’t scored two days. If he scores tomorrow, everyone will say he’s an incredible player,” said Tchouameni.

“Kylian doesn’t need advice from anyone. He is very happy, he has scored many goals and he will score many more. He is calm,” he added on the forward’s form.

Discussing why Mbappe seems to struggle against Atletico Madrid a little bit more, he said: “Kylian wants to win and score in every game. There is no more motivation to play against Atleti or Rayo. I see him very happy all the time. There is no problem at all.”

On how playing with Luka Modric or Eduardo Camavinga helps him, Tchouameni said:

“My aim is to improve all the time. With the ball, without it, concentration…. And Camavinga and Modric are amazing, with different characteristics. It’s a pleasure to play with both of them. They can do a lot of things and it’s easier for the team.”

On how they can counter Atletico tomorrow, the midfielder remarked: “Atletico will play an attacking game, but we know what to do. Especially in defence and in midfield.

“We won the first one, but tomorrow we won’t go for a draw. No, we will go to win. Offensively and defensively we have to give everything.”

Source: AS