Tchouameni spoke to the press ahead of the team's last training session in the build-up to their Champions League round of 16 second leg clash (Wednesday, 9:00 pm CET). The player discussed the match-up with Atlético: “The whole team is ready for tomorrow's game. We know it'll be really tough, especially being away from home, but we're going to give it everything we've got. We're in good form and we want to keep it up and win more trophies this year."
“We've got an unbelievable squad, we have supported each other at all times throughout the season. But the most important thing is to take it game by game. I know talking about things is your job, but that's not a problem. The coach, the staff and the club are united at all times, and we help each other to win games and play good football."

Ancelotti's role in helping him back to his best
“When I start each game, the key thing for me is to be focused on what I'm doing on the pitch. Of course I hear the jeers when I'm out there, but every game has its own story in the end. They were jeering early on but then I put in a good performance and that's the most important thing."

How does Mbappé look, and what advice would you give him?
“It's incredible to be here talking about a tough spell for him because he's scored a goal every couple of games. There's nothing to it. We know if he scores two or three tomorrow everyone will be saying what an amazing player he is. For us, as professionals, the next game is our main focus. Mbappé doesn't need advice from anyone. I think he's very happy here at the club, he's scored a load of goals and he'll keep doing so. He's absolutely fine."

Difference between playing at centre-back and in midfield
“They're two completely different jobs. In defence you have a bit longer to play with the ball but the difference is, it's a bit harder to stay focused because you haven't got the ball all the time. In the middle of the park you have to concentrate at all times because you can receive the ball, defend... They're two different roles."

Does Mbappé look more motivated following first-leg criticism?
“He wants to win and score goals in every game. There's no added motivation that comes with playing Atlético as opposed to Rayo. He wants to play at his best all the time, there is no difference. I think he seems very happy with the team and there are absolutely no issues."



Were you affected by the criticism in France?
“The most important thing for me is the next game. We all know there is always going to be criticism. You could be the best player in the world right now and there are others who prefer someone else. With experience comes an understanding of how to react to that situation. You have to keep working hard, doing the right things and trying to improve. If you do the right things, you'll end up playing better."

Where do you think you've improved this month, and what does playing with Camavinga and Modrić teach you?
“My goal is to improve all the time in every facet of the game, with the ball, without the ball, concentration levels and attitude. Camavinga and Modrić are two incredible players with different attributes. It's a pleasure to play with both of them because they are able to do so much and that makes playing alongside them easy.”

What do you think is the best way to handle Atlético's firepower?
“They're going to play a very attacking game but we know what we need to do, particularly in defence and in the centre of the park. We won the first leg but we're not going there to just get the draw, we want to win the second leg too. We have to give it our all in attack and defence if we want to win this game."

Ancelotti's praise for his personality
“The most important thing is to retain the focus, regardless of what happens over the course of the season. Our concentration levels have to be high for the next match. During the game, I think about what's happening and as soon as it finishes, I switch my attention to the next one. You have to focus on yourself and keep improving."