Jose Mourinho denies influencing Zinedine Zidane over Aurelien Tchouameni selection
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has clarified he had no involvement in Zinedine Zidane's decision to omit Aurelien Tchouameni from the France squad.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Public domain / Author: Hilmi Hacaloğlu
Jose Mourinho has dismissed suggestions that Real Madrid influenced Zinedine Zidane’s decision to exclude Aurelien Tchouameni from his first France squad. The Portuguese manager clarified that there was no communication between the clubs regarding the midfielder's international availability.
Tchouameni has been dealing with a groin injury, limiting him to just three appearances for the club this season. Mourinho admitted that the decision took him by surprise, but he views it as a sensible move for the player's long-term fitness.
I had no influence on the decision. I didn't call Zidane and Zidane didn't call me. It took me by surprise. But they discussed and agreed that the best thing for him was to use this break to do the pre-season he couldn't do. Jose Mourinho
The Madrid manager highlighted that this omission is beneficial for the club, as it provides the midfielder with dedicated time to recover properly without the physical intensity of international matches. Mourinho also confirmed that Zidane remains committed to Tchouameni’s future in the national team.
Real Madrid have a significant break following this weekend's derby. The team returns to action on October 10 against Villarreal, followed by a Champions League fixture against Roma four days later. This window offers a crucial opportunity for Tchouameni to fully regain his fitness and fight for a regular starting position.