Tchouameni spoke to the press at Real Madrid City on the eve of the team's Champions League curtain-raiser against Olympique Marseille at the Bernabéu (Tuesday, 9:00 pm CEST). When asked about the key elements of the European opener, he reflected: "We have to play with commitment and confidence. We know it's going to be a tough game against a good side but we have to show our best to win it.”

“This competition has changed a little. We know that when it comes down to it, we can be involved in the playoff games and still win the Champions League, but we want to win every game, and if we do that, we'll qualify among the top eight. But the most important thing is tomorrow's game, and we'll try and start off on the right foot in the tournament."

Refereeing decisions
“The referees do their best in every game, but they make mistakes just like we do on the pitch. The key thing was to win the game, and we managed that. I don't have anything to say about the officials. Everyone saw what happened. We're looking forward."

Is the team showing greater defensive attitude and commitment this year?
“We won several trophies under Ancelotti, and he's one of the greatest coaches in football history. Xabi has a different approach but we're improving with each passing game. We try and do what he asks of us out on the pitch, and we have to keep that up if we want to win games."

How would you like people in France to view you?
“It's not that they underrate or underappreciate me. My job is to try and play well and win every game, so we can win trophies and I'm helping the team. Perhaps some people don't like that too much, to see me working hard... I put the work in and I have to keep doing that and getting experience. The most important thing for me is that my teammates, the coach and the club are proud of me."

Are you benefitting from the coach's set-up?
“Since the start of the season under Xabi Alonso, we've won every game and we've all improved as we go, both as a team and individually. Every player is feeling good within the team and that goes for me as well. I try and play at my best and do all I can to help the team. We want to win every game this season and if we play how we know we can, we've got a good chance of doing that."

Has the mentality changed from last year, and what do you think of Olympique Marseille?
“Of course there have been changes, but I won't be revealing any of that to the press. The coaching methodology is different and the players are playing in different positions as well. We'll have to put on a good performance because I'm sure they're going to make life hard for us. They're top-level players and we'll have to show what a good team we are too."

"Marseille is a top Ligue 1 side. They have had a lot of changes, that's true. I'm expecting a tough game, it's a Champions League match between great teams and we'll have to give it our best. I don't know if everyone in Spain knows Olympique Marseille. They are a big club in France, a great team. Loads of players and others have been asking me for tickets to the match. As a Frenchman and a madridista, I can't wait to get started in the competition."

Is the pressure different this season?
“When you play at Madrid, you live with pressure all the time. We're not under more pressure this season than last - we have it every year and we want to win every trophy. We're going to try and give it our all and do our best to win titles because we didn't get as many as we'd have liked last season. I hope we can do that this year."

On Mbappé
“He scored a lot of goals last season and he's continued that into this campaign. We're improving as a team as well. He's playing at an unbelievable level, like he does every season, and we know that with him in the side, we've got a better chance of winning every game."

What are your memories of playing against Olympique Marseille?
“Of course I have strong memories of playing those games. They're marked in the calendar of course, because they're an incredibly strong side at the Velodrome. It's a spectacular atmosphere, really unique. We know we'll have to put on a great display because it's going to be tough, a real battle."

Is Mbappé obsessed with winning the Champions League?
“He wants to win every possible trophy. He hasn't managed to win it yet, but at Real Madrid it's a key goal for the club as well. He wants to win everything and we'll do our best to do that together. But first, we have to win tomorrow's match and we have to be mentally and physically prepared."

How does it feel to have made 150 Real Madrid appearances?
“It's a dream come true. I try and enjoy every game, every training session and every day I'm here as a madridista. I hope I can play many more games yet, win trophies and enjoy every season I spend here."