Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouameni was put forward to speak to the press ahead of the UEFA Champions League last 16 second leg against Atlético Madrid. On the game, the Frenchman reflected that, “Atlético will play an offensive game, but we know what to do. Especially in defense and in the 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 our all.”
Tchouameni on how he’s feeling
“The whole team is ready for the match. It will be difficult, but we will give it our all. We are in a good moment and we want to win more titles this year.”
Tchouameni on his support in the dressing room
“We have an incredible 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 and that’s no problem. But we stick together. It helps us to win and play well.”
Tchouameni on Ancelotti’s support after he was whistled
“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.”
Tchouameni on Mbappé also being whistled
“It is 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. 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.”
Tchouameni on playing in defence or midfield
“They are two completely different jobs. In defense you have more time to play, but the difference is that it’s more complicated to stay focused. You don’t have the ball as much. In the midfield you have to be more attentive all the time. They are different.”
Tchouameni on Mbappé’s poor record against Atlético
“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.”
Tchouameni on criticism of him in France
“For me the most important thing is the game. 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 live 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 on his recent form and playing with Camavinga and Modrić
“My goal is to improve all the time. With the ball, without the ball, concentration.... And Cama and Modrić are incredible, with different characteristics. It’s a pleasure to play with both of them. They can do many things and it’s easier for the team.”
Tchouameni on his personality
“As I said, the most important thing is to stay focused. It doesn’t matter what happens during the game. At the end of the day, our concentration has to be high. Against Celta, I think about the match. 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.”