Real Madrid arrive in Rome with the Champions League already sharpening the mood around the club. Aurélien Tchouaméni faced the media at the Stadio Olimpico before Madrid’s second match of the campaign, with José Mourinho’s side preparing to meet an unbeaten Roma away from home.
The French midfielder addressed the frustration that followed Vinicius Junior’s dismissal against Villarreal, after Madrid had declined media duties following that match. He stopped short of attacking officials, but made clear that the feeling inside the squad has not disappeared.
Quick facts
- Real Madrid face unbeaten Roma at the Stadio Olimpico in their second Champions League fixture.
- Madrid returned to press-conference duties after their post-Villarreal media silence.
- Tchouaméni said the squad are frustrated by recent refereeing decisions but want to move forward after winning.
- He described balance as Mourinho’s principal demand in midfield.
- The midfielder backed Kylian Mbappé for the Ballon d’Or, also naming Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise among France’s leading candidates.
“I do not want to speak about referees,” Tchouaméni said. “They try to do their best, but there is a lot of frustration with the decisions at the moment. The important thing is that we won and now we have to look ahead.”
That next step is a demanding continental night in the Italian capital. Tchouaméni said Madrid expect a difficult contest against a Roma side he has watched closely, while insisting the visitors have the quality required to leave with a win.
“We know we are playing a very good team,” he said. “It will be difficult, especially away from home, but we have the quality to win and we will try.”
Midfield questions before Rome
Questions over Madrid’s midfield have followed the team into Europe, including whether the squad need a more creative option. Tchouaméni declined to reveal his own view, saying recruitment decisions should be put to the coach or club president rather than a player.
He maintained that the current group must give everything with the resources available. Madrid possess elite qualities in certain areas, he said, but their midfield must function collectively.
Tchouaméni also rejected suggestions of a disconnect between Madrid’s midfield and attack. He pointed instead to the group’s relationships and to each player’s responsibility to help the side, adding that the arrival of Diomande has offered further support as Madrid pursue trophies.
Madrid have not reached their best level in possession since the start of the season, the midfielder admitted. But he said the team are working on those shortcomings in training and expect improvement.
The issue of running numbers also surfaced, with Madrid often placed lower in distance-covered statistics. Tchouaméni urged context rather than a simple reading of the figures: the team must run intelligently, he said, and lower mileage can sometimes reflect a match well managed.
Mourinho’s demand: balance
Tchouaméni said he has spoken with Mourinho about his role and is steadily returning to his physical and playing level. The manager has outlined how the midfielder can contribute, particularly in a squad packed with attacking talent.
Balance was the key instruction, Tchouaméni said, recalling the demand made before the match in Valencia. Mourinho also wants him to play forward when on the ball and to add goals, but the defensive and tactical equilibrium of the side remains central.
Asked whether the manager prioritises results over style, Tchouaméni offered a direct response: Mourinho wants to win, and that is what matters most.
Madrid know scrutiny comes with representing the club, he added. The response must be to remain calm, improve daily and judge the season by what is won when it ends.
French backing for Mbappé
On the Ballon d’Or, Tchouaméni named Mbappé as his preferred winner after what he called an incredible season. Should his Madrid teammate miss out, he said fellow Frenchmen Dembélé and Olise had also produced excellent campaigns.
For now, though, individual honours can wait. Madrid’s immediate task is a Roman test against unbeaten opposition, with another European result set to shape the club’s week and the wider early rhythm of their Champions League campaign.
