Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde has said that he will not be willing to leave Madrid for treatment or a second opinion on his injury. This week star striker Kylian Mbappe returned to the Spanish capital, after spending a week in his native Paris. One of the reasons was to seek a second opinion on his persistent knee problems, but the length of his stay has been criticized in the local media.
Los Blancos will face Manchester City in the Champions League Round of 16 as underdogs, struggling in La Liga of late, and in Europe this season. Although Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa were both criticized, Valverde was asked early on if it was time for the players to show their faces.
“Everybody. From the first player to the last; and from the first to the last member of the coaching staff. We are doing everything we can to make things better and the fans to be proud of us. We are all pulling in the same direction. We are very united and we are working as hard as we can.”
Real Madrid and City faced each other in the league stage of the competition, with Pep Guardiola’s team leading 2-1 at the Bernabeu, where the first leg will take place. Valverde said his people are looking forward to it.
“With enthusiasm and a lot of desire. We did a good job at the Bernabeu, until they came back and won. Since then, they are in charge. But we have worked hard and we know what each one of us has to do. This year, we did not have the experience of all the eleven defensive players; to prepare for whatever the enemy throws at us. Now we are in good shape, we are focused and we want to focus well. we are physically ready.”
Valverde on the decision to treat Mbappe
The Uruguayan midfielder was also asked if he would consider returning to Montevideo in the same position as Mbappe.
“I have everything I need here. It’s the best team in the world, and the people here are the best. I trust everyone here. I trust my body to the physiotherapist here, and I obey his opinions. I’m very relaxed and I’m only thinking about City. Nothing else will disturb us. I hope it’s a good night.”
‘I always try to adapt’ – Valverde playing in midfield
Earlier this season, Valverde was reportedly hoping to be employed in midfield. But after some testing at the start of the season, Valverde has found himself consistently at right back or on the right of central midfielder. It has been put to him that he probably expects to be involved in more construction this season.
“I always try to adapt to the ideas that the coach or the coaching staff want. I have played in many places, not always in the middle of the field, but I try to contribute, to give my best. The manager wants me to distribute, control the ball, and play with a defender or a defender; as sometimes I have to play freely, score points, assist… I try to adapt. For me, being in the starting eleven is the most important thing…
One of the players who joined him in the middle of the field was Thiago Pitarch, who has received praise for his behavior on the field.
“I’m very happy that young people are given opportunities. They work incredibly hard… they run a lot! It’s amazing that they come with so much enthusiasm and joy. Thiago is playing well, but I want to emphasize the importance of being good people off the field.”
Real Madrid face Manchester City on Wednesday night at 21:00 CEST at the Santiago Bernabeu, with the return leg next Tuesday.
