Aurélien Tchouaméni speaks out after the 3-2 win at City: “I don’t like it at all”

Just after the 3-2 victory at the Etihad against Manchester City in the first leg of the Champions League qualifiers, Aurélien Tchouaméni spoke to Canal+.

Real Madrid came out of an incredible match this Tuesday. Travelling to Manchester City’s pitch for the first leg of the qualifying round for the Champions League round of 16, Carlo Ancelotti’s team put on a colossal performance. Against the Citizens, who were clearly off form, Thibaut Courtois and his teammates had a rough start with a big miss from Ferland Mendy in the 10th minute and Erling Haaland’s opening goal in the 19th. During the Citizens’ strong spells, Tchouaméni and Raúl Asensio played crucial roles in keeping the team afloat.

At the break, the Madrilènes stepped up their game. Likely motivated by Carlo Ancelotti, Kylian Mbappé found his shooting boots and equalised in the 60th. After this equaliser, the Merengues missed the chance to take the lead. Approaching the end of the match, Manchester City regained the advantage through a penalty won by Phil Foden. In fine form, Haaland perfectly placed the ball past Thibaut Courtois. Just when it seemed the Madrilènes were heading towards a defeat, Brahim Diaz, who had just come on in place of Rodrygo Goes, equalised.

“No, I don’t like the defender’s role”

Instead of retreating, Real Madrid stayed high up the pitch, and in the 90+2′, Jude Bellingham completed a fine collective move that he had initiated. At the end of the 3-2 win, Aurélien Tchouaméni didn’t hide his satisfaction. Speaking to Canal+, the French midfielder, who has been filling in at defence for weeks, showed his joy, but in a contained manner. Praised for his colossal defensive performance in the absence of Rüdiger and David Alaba, Tchouaméni refused to accept being called a defender.

“Does the central defender role start to appeal to me? No, I don’t like the defender’s role at all [laughs], but the most important thing is to help the team. When the coach asks me to play at the back, I do it. I try to give my best, even if it displeases some,” confided Aurélien Tchouaméni, who received a strong 6 rating. It’s worth noting that with an excellent Raúl Asensio this Tuesday, the French midfielder didn’t really struggle.