Aurélien Tchouameni, midfielder for Real Madrid, spoke this Friday in the mixed zone about the main difference he's noticed between Xabi Alonso, his current coach, and Carlo Ancelotti, who led him until just a few weeks ago. The French international was clear: the key factor is age.

"Carlo is a fantastic coach with an impressive career. He helped us win many titles. Xabi, on the other hand, is young, brings fresh ideas, and little by little we’re getting a better understanding of his approach," said Tchouameni.

Tchouameni’s new role under Xabi Alonso

Since Xabi Alonso took charge of the team, Tchouameni has taken on an even more versatile role. In the recent match against Juventus, during the Round of 16 of the Club World Cup, the Frenchman started as a center-back and later moved into a defensive midfield position, showing his adaptability.

"Against Juve I started as a central defender and later moved into midfield. What matters most to me is being on the pitch, helping the team, and adjusting to what the coach asks," he said. "I enjoy playing with my teammates, no matter where I am on the field."

He also emphasized the learning process under the new manager: "I try to do what the coach asks of us in every training session. Little by little, we understand more of the style he wants to implement. We just need to keep working like this."

Xabi Alonso, speaking at a press conference from MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, explained that he intends to keep using Tchouameni in different positions depending on the flow of the match. "He can play further up the field or drop back between the center-backs — it depends on what we need. He has the tactical intelligence to do it," said the Spanish coach.

Xabi’s trust in Tchouameni and the Frenchman's development under his leadership mark a new chapter for Real Madrid, defined by a generational shift on the bench and a renewed tactical identity.