2023-09-05 23:21:40
Like all French professional footballers of a certain level, he did not escape the question. Are the Games in the back of his mind? “Every athlete dreams of playing the Olympic Games, replied Aurélien Tchouaméni with a smile, at a press conference in Clairefontaine this Tuesday as part of the France team gathering. At my age (23), I know that there are only three places available, it does not depend only on me. I’m thinking of the Olympic village, the opening ceremony, it’s going to be in France, it’s huge for the country. We also see that there is a lot of work in Paris (laughs). We look forward. »
A selection in which, if he were to be part of it, he could also evolve under the orders of Thierry Henry, new coach of the Espoirs. “When I think of Thierry Henry, I think of the word legend, of charisma. He reflects French football very well, it’s good to have him as a youth coach. We will watch the matches even more carefully. »
Missed shot against Argentina ‘made him stronger’
48 hours before receiving Ireland at the Parc des Princes (Thursday, 8:45 p.m.) for the first of two matches of this back-to-school rally for the Blues, the Real Madrid midfielder was able to answer all the questions from the amphitheater of Clairefontaine. Especially on his contrasting end to last season with Real. “With my work ethic and mentality, I know it can be reversed. I try to set up work with a mental trainer, a physical trainer, a physiotherapist at home to take care of my body, it helps to optimize performance. Last season was very rewarding for me, in all situations there is something to be learned. »
With the Blues, he knows how to enjoy a comfortable status, in a midfield where he acts as a holder with the absence, in particular, of Paul Pogba. We saw him in particular at the World Cup this winter, where he had a very good tournament before, unfortunately, missing his shot on goal in the final against Argentina. “A failure (…) but it forged me and it made me stronger,” he says.
At his side, he may have the opportunity to evolve more and more frequently with Eduardo Camavinga, his teammate at Real who is gaining momentum in the jersey of the Merengues. “When you play with someone on a daily basis, you create an affinity and bonds on the pitch which are necessarily important during matches. That does not mean that it is an element that we must necessarily take into account, but it is good when you can play with a partner in selection and in club. »
“He is at PSG today, we respect that”, he says about Mbappé
He could not say the same of Kylian Mbappé, who did not join Real Madrid this summer despite a soap opera that once again has the football planet in suspense. “Obviously it was a possibility (that he signs for Madrid). All teams would like Kylian in their squad. He is at PSG today, we respect that. Good season to him, and we are very happy with what we have today. »
Aurélien Tchouaméni was also asked about another PSG player, whom he will undoubtedly meet in the vicinity of Clairefontaine where he discovers the hopeful selections: Warren Zaïre-Emery, the 17-year-old crack already holder with the Rouges & Bleus . “He is already a very, very good player. Being a regular at PSG at that age means that you have qualities. The first to tell me about him was Presko (Kimpembe) 2-3 years ago and he told me he was coming. He was not mistaken. He is super efficient, you have to give him time to grow. »
“We want to win all the matches, to finish this group with the maximum number of points,” he concluded about the upcoming match on Thursday. “We are already well ranked, even if the teams behind us have fewer games, we couldn’t do better. It’s up to us to do the job. »
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