Real Madrid star Fede Valverde was the player who spoke to the media ahead of their game against Manchester City at the Bernabeu on Wednesday night. He was asked about how confident the team is going into the game, as well as the value that the home fans bring, to which he said: “What’s coming up is incredible. We’re very confident going into a match that everyone loves to play. We know how important the fans are, because with them, everything is easier. We need them, and then we’ll give it our all.
“Everyone, from the first player to the last, and from the first to the last member of the coaching staff, is giving our all so that things improve and the fans can be proud of us. We are all pulling in the same direction. We are very united and working to the fullest.”
Valverde on the team’s morale
“The result the other day really boosted our morale. We needed it. We must continue to improve both our play and our personal development; we’re winning matches, but not playing our best. But we needed to win to come into this match with renewed energy. It’s been a tough few months; we’re aware of that, and we’ve worked hard to turn things around this season. We need to stay focused on what we have to do. Let’s get behind the team.”
Valverde on the game in December
“As I said before, it’s a slightly different match than last time. Now it’s a two-legged affair, and that changes things quite a bit. But it’s important to get a good result for the return leg, because playing there with their fans… it makes a big difference. We’ve worked really hard and we don’t want a repeat of last time, when we let it slip away because of our own mistakes.”
Valverde’s advice to his teammates
“They should train to the fullest; always be ready to help the team. There are good times and bad times, but you should always be willing to give your all. Whether I’m in pain or not, I always try to give my best. I want them to feel proud to have Valverde, a teammate, a brother, on the field. You always have to be ready to help.”
Valverde on the locker room
“We’re really excited and eager. We did a great job at the Bernabéu, until they came back and won. From then on, they dominated. But we’ve worked hard and we know what each of us has to do. This year, we haven’t been prepared for whatever the opponent wanted. Now we’re in good shape, focused. These kinds of matches are tough and we want to be mentally and physically prepared.”
Valverde on his current role
“I always try to adapt to the ideas the coach or the coaching staff wants. I’ve played in many positions, not always in midfield, but I try to contribute, to give my best. The manager wants me to spread out, control the ball, and play with the full-back or winger; since sometimes I have to play more freely, score, assist… I try to adapt. For me, just being in the starting eleven… that’s the most important thing.”
Valverde on players from Castilla
“I’m so happy that young people are being given opportunities. They’re working spectacularly… they run so much! It’s amazing that they come with this enthusiasm, with this joy. Thiago is playing well, but I want to emphasize that they should be good people off the field.”
Valverde on Kylian Mbappe’s absence
“He’s a very important player… but I, as a player, now that we’re focused, am only thinking about this: giving my all. It’s very important that we all give 100%.”
Valverde on why Mbappe left Madrid to get a second opinion on his injury
“I have everything here, it’s the best club in the world and the best people are here. I trust everyone here. I trust my body to a physiotherapist here and I defer to his opinions. I’m very calm and I’m only thinking about City. Nothing from outside is going to distract us.”
