MONACO

“Continue to work to gain in strength”

Selected for the second time in the French team this week to play in the final phase of the League of Nations, the Monegasque midfielder appeared before the press on the eve of facing his training club.

He again released a high class performance this Thursday against Real Sociedad. Selected the same day by Didier Deschamps with the Blues for the final phase of the League of Nations, Aurélien Tchouameni was part of his pride in the media. On the eve of meeting his training club, the Girondins de Bordeaux, at the Stade Louis-II (kick off Sunday 3 p.m.), the Rouge et Blanc midfielder also spoke of the good dynamics of AS Monaco. Extracts.

Comment he learned of his selection

I was preparing for the match against Real Sociedad. I cut my nap a bit short, let’s say, because I knew what time the list was going to be announced. So I learned about it live in front of the television. As long as the coach does not reveal the group, we are never sure of anything. I wasn’t necessarily more confident this time around compared to my first one, so there is always some excitement.

On his new responsibilities as an international

I know there has been a higher expectation around me. But my status hasn’t necessarily changed. The coach gives me the instructions in the same way as before. I just know I have more responsibilities now. I try to stay the same, not to change my way of being. I approach the matches in the same way. I play according to the coach’s requests and what is good for the team. When I’m in Monaco, I try to think as little as possible about the France team. Being international is a different status but at a young age I still have a lot to learn.

The importance of the Bordeaux match

All the matches are important to win, but it’s all the more important to win before the international break, because you can have a little more serene break period. We did it in Troyes before the September break, so we’ll try to do the same against Bordeaux on Sunday.

On the two victories against Bordeaux last season

Honestly, we performed well against this team last season. But there have been a lot of changes since then in Bordeaux, so it won’t really change the way we prepare for the match. We are focused on the goal of winning all three points.

The image he keeps of his training club

I learned a lot of things there. Every time I play against this team, it’s bound to be a bit special. I grew up as a man in Bordeaux and I would like to thank everyone who helped me become the player and the man I am today.

On the evolution of his game

I think that in terms of consistency, whether during games or even in certain periods, I am more consistent compared to my debut here or even the start of last season. As the coach said, I am a curious person and I often ask questions, to constantly improve myself, to progress, whether in club or selection elsewhere. Do I usually take notes? If I showed you my phone, you would see things. But it’s personal. (to smile)

The desire to hang a clean sheet

I think that as the games go on we manage to be more and more solid, more consistent, whether defensively or even in front of goal. As you know there are new players who have arrived, others have not done all the preparation. We are impatiently awaiting this clean sheet and when it arrives, it will be good. It will be played on details. We must continue to work to gain in strength.

His take on the Real Sociedad game

I think the bottom line of this match was strength. Faced with a good Spanish team which is currently second in La Liga, we were able to compete. We would have liked to do even better, but I think it’s rather positive and good for the future.

His executive status

Frame or no frame, I honestly don’t take the lead with that. I know I have some playing time that allows me to give advice to my teammates. Despite everything, I remain one of the youngest of the workforce. There are very experienced players like Wissam and Djibril who help us to be stronger.

The 60-game milestone

I hope there will be many more who will come later. I grew in strength over the months since i arrived here in January 2020. It is certain that I am not the same player now. But I hope to continue to improve and come back in front of you to talk about it in 60 games.

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