Mourinho Clarifies Real Madrid's Role in Tchouameni's France Exclusion

Zinedine Zidane has left Aurélien Tchouameni out of his first France squad, and José Mourinho wants it crystal clear: Real Madrid had nothing to do with it.

Tchouameni, hampered by a groin injury, has barely featured this season. Three appearances, one start. That lone start came in a 3-2 defeat to Elche, a reminder of how far he still is from his dominant best. So when Zidane’s first list as France manager dropped without the midfielder’s name, the questions came quickly.

On Saturday, on the eve of the Madrid derby, Mourinho faced them head-on.

“I had no influence on the decision. I didn't call Zidane and Zidane didn't call me. It took me by surprise,” he said, making a point of separating club and country.

According to Mourinho, the call was made directly between Zidane and Tchouameni, with both agreeing the player should use the international window as a personal reset.

They didn’t just leave him out. They drew up a plan.

Mourinho underlined what that means for his midfielder: a much-needed block of time to do the pre-season his body never had. The lack of a proper build-up has limited his minutes and dulled his impact, and Real Madrid have been managing him carefully.

The Portuguese coach didn’t hide that the decision suits the club perfectly. No travel. No national team intensity. No risk of a setback.

For Madrid, it is, as he called it, “a privilege”.

“The national team manager let him know that he was counting on him for the future and they agreed on this decision which, for us, is a privilege. Because after the derby, he will have his days off and will be able to come back stronger,” Mourinho said.

So there is no rupture with France, no loss of status. Zidane has reassured Tchouameni he remains part of the long-term plan, even as he sits out the next four matches.

The calendar now falls kindly for both club and player. After Sunday’s derby, Real Madrid do not play again until October 10, when they face Villarreal. Four days later comes a Champions League meeting with Roma. Between those dates lies Tchouameni’s opportunity.

Time to heal fully. Time to train properly. Time, at last, to push for the regular starting role Mourinho still expects him to claim.