Carlo Ancelotti warns Real Madrid: “There are very few like him on the market”

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti came under fire in midweek for leaving out Raul Asencio against Girona and Atalanta after a series of solid performances alongside Antonio Rudiger. Ancelotti opted to use Aurelien Tchouameni in defense, as he did at times last season.

The French midfielder has admitted that he prefers to play in midfield, but it looks like he will be there for much of the rest of the season depending on how David Alaba’s recovery from his injury goes.

“I don’t know, but it’s very important. He is chosen by his teammates for his attitude and performance. But he is a very important player in this sense, for the attitude and commitment he brings.”

🗣️Carlo Ancelotti on whether Jude Bellingham is the leader in #Real Madrid pic.twitter.com/PIoHF8079Z

— Soccer Spain (@footballespana_) December 13, 2024

“The first thing is to thank you for your commitment, your altruism. Playing there without complaining and making the best of it. Against Atalanta and Girona he did very well and it is no coincidence that we won those two games with him. Taking into account that it is not his position, but he does it for the team.”

Tchouameni has been heavily criticized this season for his performances in midfield and the hierarchy are reportedly losing patience with him. Ancelotti warned Los Blancos against any hasty decision.

“He is a fundamental pivot for us, one of which there are very few like him on the market, but we are in an emergency,” Ancelotti said, praising the Frenchman.

In recent months there have been reports that Real Madrid are willing to sacrifice Tchouameni next summer for a large sum to alleviate the loss of income due to their problems with the Santiago Bernabéu. Barring attacks and outbursts, Tchouameni has yet to make the position his own, and although Ancelotti has supported him, president Florentino Pérez reportedly prefers Eduardo Camavinga in midfield.