In a downward spiral, Real Madrid travel to Atalanta tomorrow for their Champions League clash. Carlo Ancelotti’s men have just 6 points from five games and need to win against the Italian club. On the eve of the clash, Federico Valverde and Carlo Ancelotti appeared at a press conference. Here is a summary of what the Casa Blanca No8 had to say.
Federico Valverde on his secret: ‘Making the most of what it means to defend this crest, a dream I’ve had since I was a child. It’s a great source of pride to be able to play and to think that this is another moment to show that I’m at the best club in the world and that they can see what I can contribute, to make everyone proud. Sometimes fatigue doesn’t exist when you’re at the club.’
🗣️ Fede Valverde: "I don't need rest, I always want to play." pic.twitter.com/TfsuYLfZqA
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) December 9, 2024
Valverde does not want to rest: ‘I want to keep playing. I try to face the matches in the best possible way. Sometimes your head can explode, for better or for worse. At Bilbao, I found it hard to deal with that setback and I was really in the shit. I told my wife I was a goner, but she helped me get through it by telling me I was a team leader and showing me I was going to pull through. That’s what’s important, to be and show that I’m a leader and that I’m proud to defend this jersey.’
Valverde on Carlo Ancelotti: ‘The coach is the one who has to put the players in place and we have to do our bit. We always try to give our all and show a lot of energy. We want to score goals and make assists, so that the defence doesn’t always think about defending. The important thing is that everyone knows they can do their best and that they feel part of the team. (…) That’s part of the work we have to do and we have to know how to live with that and overcome it through hard work and effort.
Valverde on Vinicius Jr’s return: ‘It’s good that he can come back and enjoy himself. It’s important to have him with us for everything he can contribute. It’s a great joy. As team-mates, we’ll always support him.
Valverde on Kroos’ message: ’I’ve spoken to him very little, if at all. I have to live my football and leave my name behind me. I don’t need to ask him for advice as a full-back. I want to give my best where the coach wants me to and where I’m needed. Against Athletic, I had trouble sleeping because of that mistake. I have to set an example for the whole team and establish myself as captain.
Valverde reflects on the defeat to Athletic: ‘I want to improve personally. We have fast, very fast players. We are players who live these matches and face them in this way.’
Valverde on Real Madrid’s Champions League standing: ‘We’re not used to these moments. We’re used to being in the lead and having a bit of peace. I think that’s part of football. We have to work and show what we are made of. We have to concentrate on what we’re doing. We have to give it our all so we can have peace of mind going into the Champions League games.’
Valverde on tomorrow’s game against Atalanta: ‘We’re in a different situation to the one we’re used to. We have to change by giving our all and doing it in the best possible way. We need to be effective in defence and attack. We know that Atalanta want to get the upper hand.
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