Aurelien Tchouameni, the Real Madrid midfielder, has insisted that his compatriot Kylian Mbappe deserves to be crowned with this year's Ballon d'Or, while stressing that the team is "frustrated" by the refereeing performances in the Spanish league.
The Frenchman was speaking at the press conference ahead of the trip to Roma on matchday two of the Champions League league phase.
He covered plenty of ground: the team's preparations, his view of the level Real Madrid are producing, and his role in midfield under Jose Mourinho. Balance is the key, he said, between defensive duties and attacking contribution.
Tchouameni: Mbappe deserves the Ballon d'Or
Asked who deserves to win the Ballon d'Or, Tchouameni told Spanish newspaper "AS": "Kylian is the most deserving of it. He has had an exceptional season, and if Kylian does not win it, there are other French players such as Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise who have also produced wonderful levels."
Tchouameni's role in Real Madrid's midfield
What does Mourinho actually want from him? "In the Villarreal match, he asked me to provide balance, and that is important given that we have many players with attacking instincts. He also asked me to carry the ball forward and score goals, but the most important thing for him is maintaining the balance."
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On his conversations with the coach, he added: "Yes, we have talked, and he explained to me what he wants from me and how I can help the team. I am gradually getting back to my level, and so is my physical readiness."
Tchouameni identifies Real Madrid's problem
Criticism of the performance has been building, and Tchouameni did not dodge it: "There are many things we can improve. We have not produced our best level with the ball since the start of the season, but we are working on that in training, and I am certain we will improve."
Statistics showing Real Madrid cover less distance than some rivals drew a shrug. "We have to run intelligently. These are just statistics, and sometimes they show the things we need to improve, and other times they do not reflect the full picture. It is certain that we have played good matches without needing to run great distances."
Asked how the mood differs from previous seasons, the midfielder urged calm. "We know that playing for Real Madrid means being criticised. The most important thing is to keep our calm and work on developing the team. We can certainly perform better, and we are working daily towards that. What matters in the end is what titles we win by the end of the season, and we will fight for them."
Tchouameni: the Roma match will not be easy
Next up are Roma, and Tchouameni knows what is coming. "We know we are facing a big team. I follow their matches, and I expect a difficult encounter, especially as it will be played away from our stadium, but we have the quality needed to win, and we will do our utmost."
He added: "It is an important fixture. We began our campaign in the best possible way against Inter, and we want to continue along the same path against Roma."
Real Madrid player refuses to go into the midfield crisis
Does the squad need a more creative midfielder? Tchouameni would not bite. "I will not talk about this subject. The most important thing now is tomorrow's match. You can put that question to the coach or the president, but I am a player, and I have my own opinion, and I will not talk about it today."
Pressed again on the same point, he replied: "I have my opinion on this matter, but determining the team's needs is your job. We are giving everything we have with the resources available. We have elite-level qualities in certain characteristics, but the most important thing is the collective work in midfield."
The midfielder also touched on the relationship between the midfielders and the forwards, insisting the squad enjoys a good relationship between its members and that every player seeks to help his team-mates as much as he can. He pointed out that the signing of Diomande gives the team additional support, and affirmed the players' determination to give everything they have to win titles.
Tchouameni: we are frustrated by the refereeing
Then came the question about his remarks after the Villarreal game. "I do not want to talk about the referees. They try to give their best, but we currently feel great frustration because of some decisions. The most important thing is that we won, and now we have to focus on what is coming."
Real Madrid want to keep their Champions League run going in Rome. A win would strengthen their European start, sharpen the collective performance, and feed the title ambitions Tchouameni and his team-mates are carrying into this season.