Aurélien Tchouaméni's start of the season looked promising at Real Madrid, playing in his natural position as a pivot. However, circumstances have taken a drastic turn: The plague of injuries affecting the team, especially in defense, has forced Carlo Ancelotti to make some adjustments. With key players such as Dani Carvajal and Eder Militão out, Ancelotti has turned to Tchouaméni as a center-back, a position he already occupied for several months last season.
Although Carlo Ancelotti promised him at the start of the season that he would only play as a central defender in cases of emergency, the reality's been different. The constant absences in the defensive line have made Aurélien Tchouaméni a recurring solution to cover the recent gaps in the centre of the Merengue defense.
Even though the French midfielder doesn't enjoy playing in that position, he knows the team urgently needs him. Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that this is a temporary situation, but the lack of alternatives could force Aurélien Tchouaméni to accept his new role on a longer-term basis.
Accepting It or Looking for a Way out
Although he has proven to be a versatile and committed player, his preference has always been to play in midfield. However, the needs of the team could lead him to a situation where he has to choose: accept continuing to play as a centre-back or consider leaving the club. Real Madrid could be forced to sign a real centre-back if Aurélien Tchouaméni is not willing to take on that role for the rest of the season.
A Dilemma for Carlo Ancelotti
Carlo Ancelotti, meanwhile, is also at a crossroads: Injuries have limited his options, and although he's tried to keep his promise to Aurélien Tchouaméni, circumstances force him to prioritize Real Madrid's defensive balance. The Italian coach has made it clear on several occasions that he fully trusts the Frenchman as a pivot, but defensive emergencies have left him with no other possible option.
The outcome of this situation is uncertain. If the injuries in defense continue, Aurélien Tchouaméni will probably have to continue sacrificing his natural role for the good of the team. In the meantime, the French player will have to decide whether to accept this reality or seek new horizons in the next transfer window.