Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was criticized in midweek for dropping Raul Asencio against Girona and Atalanta after a string of solid performances alongside Antonio Rudiger. Ancelotti opted to use Aurelien Tchouameni in defence, as he did at times last season.
The French midfielder has admitted that he prefers to play in the center of the pitch, but it looks like he will remain there for much of the season depending on how David Alaba's recovery from the injury goes.
“The first is to thank him for his efforts, his altruism. Play there without complaining and make the best of it. He did very well against Atalanta and Girona and it is no coincidence that we won those two games with him. Taking into account that it is not his position, but he does it for the team.”
Tchouameni has been heavily criticized for his performances in the center of the pitch this season, with the hierarchy reportedly losing patience with him. Ancelotti warned Los Blancos against hasty decisions.
“He is a fundamental pivot for us, there are very few like him on the market, but we are in an emergency situation,” Ancelotti said, praising the Frenchman.
Reports have emerged in recent months that Real Madrid are willing to sacrifice Tchouameni for a large fee next summer to ease the loss of income caused by their problems with the Santiago Bernabeu. Apart from fits and starts, Tchouameni is yet to make the position his own, and while Ancelotti has assisted him, president Florentino Perez reportedly prefers Eduardo Camavinga in midfield.
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