Mourinho Supports Tchouameni's Omission from France Squad

Aurelien Tchouameni will not feature in Zinedine Zidane’s first France squad, and José Mourinho is more than happy with that – even if he insists Real Madrid had nothing to do with the decision.

Zidane has chosen to leave the midfielder out of Les Bleus’ group for their upcoming four matches, with Tchouameni still battling a groin problem that has derailed his season. The 24-year-old has managed only three appearances for Real Madrid so far, starting just once in a 3-2 defeat to Elche.

‘I had no influence’

Speaking on Saturday ahead of the Madrid derby, Mourinho moved quickly to knock down any suggestion that Madrid had pushed for Tchouameni’s omission.

“I had no influence on the decision. I didn't call Zidane and Zidane didn't call me. It took me by surprise,” the Portuguese coach said. “But they (Zidane and Tchouameni) discussed and agreed that the best thing for him was to use this break to do the pre-season he couldn't do.”

That line matters. Tchouameni’s summer disruption has left him playing catch-up ever since. Without a proper pre-season, his minutes have been limited and his rhythm broken, a far cry from the dominant presence Madrid expected to anchor their midfield.

Mourinho underlined that this international window is less about rest and more about rebuilding the player’s engine.

A break that suits everyone

From Madrid’s point of view, the outcome could hardly be better. No flights, no extra games, no risk of a setback.

Mourinho made it clear the club will use the gap to reset Tchouameni’s season.

The France coach, he explained, has already reassured the midfielder about his long-term role with the national team. “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,” Mourinho said. “Because after the derby, he will have his days off and will be able to come back stronger.”

For Tchouameni, that means clarity. He is not being discarded by France; he is being protected. For Zidane, it is a pragmatic first call as national coach. For Mourinho, it is an unexpected gift in a congested calendar.

Time to reset before a crucial run

Once the dust settles on the Madrid derby on Sunday, Real Madrid’s schedule opens up. They do not play again until October 10, when they face Villarreal, before a Champions League tie with Roma four days later.

That stretch gives Tchouameni something he has lacked all season: uninterrupted time to heal and build up properly.

If he uses it well, this quiet spell between the derby and Roma could be the moment his Real Madrid career truly starts – and the point at which Zidane’s future France midfield finally regains one of its key pieces.