Fede Valverde: “I’m a little frustrated, I’m aware of how I’m playing”

Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde spoke to the media ahead of their match against Kairat Almaty on Tuesday. He was asked about the way he was playing, to which he said: “I’m a little frustrated. I’m aware of how I’m playing; I’m the first to know when things aren’t going my way. Players know firsthand if they’re having a bad game. It’s true that I started well in the new project, at the World Cup; I think I played well there. Now it’s much harder for me to feel comfortable on the pitch. I’ll keep working. As captain, I’ll continue to lead the group and show my mettle when I play. I’ll keep standing out and moving forward.”

Valverde on the match against Kairat

“Trying to change what happened the other day, come out with a different attitude and win. Let it be a little revenge to change the dynamic. The reception was incredible. A lot of Real Madrid fans were waiting for us, it was crazy.

“Within Real Madrid, this is a normal thing to happen. I’ve never had the chance to come and play here before, and it seemed crazy to me. It was so late, and leaving the airport and seeing so many people waiting for us… It’s a source of pride. You have to appreciate it. These are things that leave football behind. It’s an honor to come here and play. We’re going for the win for those fans.”

Valverde on reflections after the match against Atletico

“A lot. It was two very tough days, very upsetting after the defeat. It was a huge blow. We talked a lot; since I’ve been at Madrid, it’s rarely happened, so many conversations. We have to change as quickly as possible. We emphasized the attitude on the pitch. There were also many conversations with the coach. Tomorrow, the first game, is the day to change all that.”

Valverde on their attitude in the derby

“These are games where you don’t even need to shout in the locker room to get motivated. These things can’t happen, not at Madrid or anywhere else. You have to motivate yourself in any game, especially in a derby. We can fail in many ways, but attitude is non-negotiable. It’s the first step to show that we want to win. In the first minutes of the second half, we came out as if a draw would do the trick. We have to change that, starting with this game. As a key player for this team, we have to move on from that moment and seize this game as an opportunity to grow.”

Valverde on doubts

“No, we’ve played a lot of games, but not much time with Xabi. We have to give our all, 100%, so that everything is resolved as quickly as possible. We’ve had two defeats with Xabi, and they were very tough. These are things that are part of football, but we have to try to prevent them from happening again, to change the image. We have to be as united as possible, on and off the pitch, so that it’s a good year.”

Valverde on why he does not like playing full-back / on the wing

“In the end, you always hear or see criticism, and it’s good to receive praise. I wasn’t born to play full-back; I didn’t grow up playing there. It was a moment of emergency. Being able to do well filled me with pride. But I always wondered if those games were just a bit of luck, spontaneous nights. I felt comfortable at full-back. We won a lot when I played as a winger; we won the Champions League with me there. And another with me in the middle. I’m always available; I learn a new position if necessary. I don’t feel comfortable because I didn’t grow up playing there. I struggle with things, like closing down in defense. But I try to show attitude, and that’s why things go well for me there. I grew up in the middle; I learned a lot there from many players. But I’ve done well at full-back, and I’m here for whatever the coach needs.”

Valverde on “refusing” to play as a full-back

“If I say it, they might think I’m a liar. Ask the coach. I’ve always said I’m available to the team. I’ve never refused to play in any position; I always give my best wherever I am. With Ancelotti, with Zidane, and with Xabi. I always gave my opinion; anyone who starts has to embrace that opportunity as if it were their last. I never refused; it’s rare that something like that happens. It’s a privilege to play for Madrid, I make that clear. You can ask other teammates or the coach. I’m always there for the team, and I’ll always die for Real Madrid.”