Real Madrid Confidencial Tchouameni's response about playing as a center back again: 'I can't...'
The Frenchman, who played as a center-back in the second half against Al-Hilal, has addressed his role at Madrid once again
Real Madrid arrived in Charlotte, North Carolina, in the early hours of Sunday to play its second Club World Cup match tonight against Pachuca (9:00 p.m. Spanish time). Neither Kylian Mbappé, who is still recovering from the gastroenteritis he was diagnosed with, nor Dani Carvajal have traveled with the team.
Aurélien Tchouameni did make the trip, as he was one of the squad members who spoke in the mixed zone to the media to analyze Madrid's next match in the World Cup against an opponent that Los Merengues already defeated last December (3-0), when they claimed the Intercontinental Cup.
"We've been working together for a week and we see that the coach wants intensity on the field. Every day and every match we'll improve," Tchouameni said at first, who ended up playing as a center back this Wednesday in the 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal, something he was asked about before Xabi Alonso's press conference.
"No, honestly I haven't spoken with Xabi about my position, whether I'm a center back or a midfielder. I'm here to help the team. If he asks me to play in defense, I won't say no. I'll do it without a problem. Of course I prefer the midfield, but we'll see..." replied number 14 when asked about the role changes he has alternated throughout this season.
Xabi sees him as essential
Xabi Alonso also gave the corresponding press conference to assess the state of the team, and the Basque was clear about what he expects from tonight's match. "I expect an intense match. We want to play well and win. In such a short competition, after the draw the other day, we need to win and finish with a better feeling. We want to play a more complete match both with and without the ball," said the Merengue coach.
Likewise, Alonso praised Tchouameni, whom he elevated as an essential footballer. "I don't know what's going to happen during the year. He's an essential pillar of the squad, because of the weight he carries and the positions he can play in. He has to be constantly making small decisions. In the few days we've been together, I see that he has that desire to progress and improve. That good attitude is very important."
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