Real Madrid’s French-Cameroonian midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni hails Xabi Alonso as ‘a super coach’

Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni has described head coach Xabi Alonso as ‘a super coach’ and says he is thriving under the Basque tactician’s leadership at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The French international, who is regarded as a cornerstone of Madrid’s midfield, believes the club is on the right path as it pursues domestic and European success under its new boss.

Born in Rouen to Cameroonian parents, the 25-year-old is seen as one of the brightest talents of his generation.

Since Alonso took over from Carlo Ancelotti in June, Tchouaméni has started every league match and been pivotal to a perfect start of four wins from four in La Liga following a semi-final finish at the FIFA Club World Cup this summer.

“I’ve had the opportunity to have coaches who have empowered me. Xabi is a super coach. At the moment, everything is going well, I hope it continues like this,” Tchouaméni told Telefoot in France, echoing the positive mood around Madrid.

“Everything is going well with Xabi. I hope we win many titles because we are Real Madrid.”

The former Monaco midfielder also addressed speculation over France legend Zinedine Zidane’s managerial future.

“Honestly, I haven’t spoken to him yet. Possibly in the future (laughs). Who knows,” he said. “When you look at what he did as a player and as a coach, he’s achieved everything.

“He’s a top coach. Whatever decision he makes now, whether it’s for club or country, I’m sure he’ll do well.”

Tchouaméni, who made his 150th Real Madrid appearance last weekend, added that he hopes teammate Kylian Mbappé wins the first UEFA Champions League title of his career and said he wants to be remembered for his “work ethic” and for setting “an example for all those people who want to become professional footballers.”