Xabi Alonso has 'new ideas' for Aurelien Tchouameni as 'things are going well' for midfielder under Real Madrid coach

The Madrid midfielder grew up in Bordeaux and recently inaugurated a football stadium named after him in the Artigues-pres-Bordeaux area, where he hails from. The Frenchman has found his stride under Alonso and has been playing as a starter, which isn't quite the case for everyone at Los Blancos. The 25-year-old claims this year has been good for him both under former coach Carlo Ancelotti and Alonso as he gradually fits into his new versatile role.

Under Alonso, Tchouameni has taken on a key role at Madrid, with the coach using him as both a central defensive midfielder and a centre-back depending on the match flow. The Madrid head coach in his interviews has labeled him a "key pillar" of the team because of the weight he carries and the different roles he has taken on.

In an interview with Marca, when asked about Alonso and the new responsibilities he has placed on him, Tchouameni said: "I'm happy with him, to be honest. It's true that things are going well for me with the coach and that he has new ideas for me and the team, but I think things have gone much better for me since the start of 2025, and I was already feeling good under Carlo. In any case, the idea now is to focus on each game, help my teammates, and continue to grow."

With the international break over, the Madrid midfielder will re-join his teammates at Valdebebas. Alonso's side are set to face Real Sociedad next in the league before they kick off their Champions League campaign against Marseille on September 17.