Tchouaméni Downplays Lamine Yamal’s Remarks After Heated El Clásico
Following Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Barcelona in El Clásico at the Santiago Bernabéu, contrasting moods emerged within both dressing rooms, particularly regarding the controversy surrounding Lamine Yamal’s pre-match comments. While some within Barcelona felt the youngster’s statements added unnecessary pressure, others — including Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni — dismissed the issue as part of football’s competitive nature.
Speaking after the match, the French midfielder made it clear he wasn’t bothered by Yamal’s words.
“If he wants to speak, let him speak. The game is played on the pitch,” Tchouaméni said.
He added that he saw no malice in the 18-year-old’s remarks, instead viewing them as a reflection of passion and confidence ahead of such a high-stakes encounter.
“I really liked it,” he continued. “Even at the end of the match, when there were some disagreements between players, it showed our competitiveness. When I was young, I saw these things too. For me, they’re just words — nothing more.”
While tensions flared during and after the match, Tchouaméni’s response stood out for its composure and maturity. His calm stance contrasted with opinions within Barcelona’s camp, where some figures reportedly believed Yamal’s pre-match interview had heightened pressure on the team.
Despite the defeat, Barcelona players such as Frenkie de Jong and Raphinha publicly supported Yamal, praising his performance and determination. They emphasized that such emotional exchanges are natural in top-level football, especially in a fixture as intense as El Clásico.
As both sides now shift focus to their upcoming fixtures, this episode serves as a reminder that football’s fiercest rivalries are not only fought through skill and tactics but also through mindset, temperament, and emotional control — qualities Tchouaméni displayed in abundance.
