Some members of Real Madrid squad ‘lose confidence’ in 24-year-old star following display in Super Cup defeat against Barcelona: Reports
As per emerging reports following the loss to Barcelona, some members of the Real Madrid squad have lost confidence in defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni. The 24-year-old joined Los Blancos from AS Monaco in 2022 and has helped them win eight trophies. However, in recent times, he has been used as a centre-back due to an injury crisis at the club and his performances have dipped.
Against Barcelona in the Supercopa de Espana final, the France international's struggles in the position were glaring, as the Blaugrana won 5-2. The clash took place at the King Abdullah Sports City in Saudi Arabia on January 12, and it was expected to be a close-fought match. However, Los Blancos' defense left much to be desired.
Tchouameni was involved in failing to stop Barca players. They seemed to get past him and score their goals, or he was out of position and unable to defend appropriately. He spent just 64 minutes on the pitch, with Carlo Ancelotti substituting him. He was dribbled past three times and he failed to win any ground duels, losing four.
After his poor performance, questions have been raised in the Real Madrid dressing room about the Frenchman's position on the first team. According to Spanish journalist Mario Cortegana (via MadridXtra on X), a number of playing staff in the club have "lost confidence" in Aurelien Tchouameni.
Others, however, have noted that his poor performances have come from being played out of position. It doesn't help that some reports (via Madrid Universal) insist that Madrid president Florentino Perez would agree to Tchouameni's exit if another club shows interest.
Carlo Ancelotti speaks after Barcelona demolish Real Madrid in Supercopa de Espana
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has spoken after Barcelona beat Los Blancos and clinched the Supercopa de Espana in style. The Blaugrana played the last half hour with 10 men, due to a Wojciech Szczesny red card in the 56th minute. However, the Merengues failed to use this numerical advantage to their benefit.
Speaking to the press after the game, Ancelotti admitted that his players did not defend well, saying (via the club website):
"We have to look at the reality and that is that we did not defend well in the opposition half or with the low block. They scored goals very easily and we didn't work well either collectively or individually because we lost a lot of duels. We are sad and disappointed and we’ll take that sadness home with us. That's football."
Real Madrid will return to the pitch in a few days (January 16) to face Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey Round of 16 at the Santiago Bernabeu. Barcelona are also in the same round of the competition and will face Real Betis at the Lluis Companys on January 15.