Real Madrid midfielder talks about new role under Arbeloa before Man City showdown: ‘He has asked me to…’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni believes the team can produce a big performance when they face Manchester City in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16.

Real Madrid will welcome the English champions to the iconic Santiago Bernabeu for what promises to be another intense European night. 

Over the years, the Bernabeu has built a reputation for hosting dramatic Champions League matches, and Tchouameni believes the fans can once again play a major role.

The Bernabeu atmosphere

Speaking ahead of the clash, the French midfielder highlighted the unique atmosphere the stadium creates during European fixtures.

“The Bernabeu is incredible in Champions League matches. The whole team is looking forward to returning home to play Champions League matches.

“We know it’s going to be difficult, but we have the quality and the opportunity to win these kinds of matches too. 

“With the support of the fans and our hard work, I am confident that we can do something important,” he said.

Talks with Arbeloa

Tchouameni appeared on the club’s internal media programme Real Talks (h/t Mundo Deportivo), where he discussed several aspects of his role within the team. 

Aurelien Tchouameni has revealed Arbeloa’s advice. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

The midfielder explained that manager Alvaro Arbeloa has encouraged him to become more involved in attacking situations.

According to the French international, the coach has asked him to push higher up the pitch when the opportunity arises, something that has already led to goals in recent matches.

“Arbeloa has asked me to push forward a little more in attack, and I have the opportunity to score more goals. 

“I know what I have to do on the pitch. Win balls, try to play with my teammates and bring energy, be a leader too. I try to help as much as I can,” he said.

Relationship with the teammates

During the interview, Tchouameni also answered lighter questions from supporters, offering insight into the relationships he has built inside the dressing room. 

The midfielder revealed that he shares plenty of laughs with several teammates.

He mentioned Eduardo Camavinga, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kylian Mbappé as the players he jokes around with the most.

Finally, Tchouameni spoke about the teammate who has impressed him the most during daily training sessions. 

“The teammate who has surprised me the most in training is Mendy. People don’t know this, but in training it’s like he’s playing with his kids,” he noted.