José Mourinho surprised by Aurélien Tchouaméni’s France omission | OneFootball

José Mourinho said he was a little surprised by Aurélien Tchouaméni’s omission from the latest France squad ahead of Real Madrid’s derby with Atlético de Madrid. L'Équipe reports that the Madrid head coach also stressed he had no role in the decision.

Tchouaméni will be a notable absentee at Clairefontaine on Monday for Zinedine Zidane’s first France camp. Zidane explained on Friday that the midfielder, returning from a muscle injury suffered during the World Cup in the United States, has only 180 minutes and should remain in Madrid to continue his preparation.

Asked on Saturday, Mourinho said there had been no contact between him and Zidane, adding he was a little surprised by the call. He said discussions led to the view that staying in Madrid to complete the pre-season he missed through injury would be best for the player.

The Portuguese was optimistic about Tchouaméni’s season, noting that Zidane has told the player he is counting on him in the future. Madrid, he said, welcome the chance to build the midfielder up properly.

After the Atlético match, Tchouaméni will take a few days’ rest before focusing on work designed to help him return stronger.

Source: L'Équipe

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