Fede Valverde talks Ancelotti, Mbappe, Olmo, role in team ahead of Real Madrid vs Barcelona | OneFootball

Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde addressed the media in a press conference ahead of their Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona on Sunday night.

The Uruguayan midfielder spoke candidly about the team’s form, his personal performances, and various recent controversies.

Discussing the significance of the upcoming final, Valverde described it as an opportunity for Real Madrid to continue building on their recent progress, saying:

“It’s another final. We come into it with a lot of confidence after the first few months, which weren’t so good. We’re excited about the chance to win.”

Valverde also emphasized the importance of the trophy in boosting morale, especially as the team approaches the decisive part of the season.

“This trophy is very important, mainly for the confidence it gives us. After six tough months, we face the strongest challenges now – fighting for titles. Of course, the rival is very special,” he stated.

Valverde, who has played extensively this season without any proper break, expressed his satisfaction with his current role.

“I’m happy to keep playing, especially as a starter. I’m grateful for the coach’s trust. In the Copa, we agreed I’d play 45 minutes, and everyone was content,” he said.

“I’ll keep adding games and trying to leave my mark at Madrid, the best club in the world. Hearing my parents say they’re proud is beautiful. I’ll have time to rest in July, God willing.”

Talking about the game against Mallorca earlier in the week, following which he picked up an overload, Valverde insisted that he was ready to go after resting.

“Rest. Above all. We don’t have much else to do. Being away from my kids helps because playing with them for 24 hours can be the most exhausting thing!

“Taking advantage of the peace in the hotel room strengthens us as a group. We have everything we need to perform well.”

Valverde also addressed the struggles of Barcelona stars Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor, who were going through a difficult period without registration over the past couple of weeks.

“It’s not my place to comment on things outside my responsibility. My duty is to defend Madrid. But if I put myself in their shoes, it’s tough – it’s hard to train knowing you can’t play,” he said.

“Playing is our passion, and it must be difficult for them. The important thing is for them to keep training and preparing themselves. It’s not pleasant for any player to go through moments like that.”

A couple of months ago, when Real Madrid lost to AC Milan, Valverde’s wife took to social media to question manager Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to play the midfielder out of position, sparking rumours of a conflict.

Clearing the air about the entire episode, Valverde said: “Between him and me, there was never a conflict. I don’t use social media, so the whole thing surprised me. The coach always wants what’s best for me and the team, and my wife does the same for me at home.

“I can’t take sides. Both defended what they care about most – the coach defended the team, and my wife defended me, as I’m the father of her children. The key is to be honest and sincere.

“After the match, we didn’t discuss it because I wasn’t aware of it. Later, we talked, but I wasn’t upset. You always have to respect what the coach, the boss, says and remain a role model for the team.”

When asked about his goal-scoring form and his infamous foul on Alvaro Morata, Valverde gave a measured response.

“It’s very difficult to score more goals than any Madrid striker. I try to do my duty on the pitch and contribute what the team needs. As for Morata, I won’t say whether it was right or wrong. At that moment, I did what was best for the team, and I stand by that.”

Valverde is a permanent fixture in the team under Ancelotti. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Regarding Kylian Mbappe and his struggles with offsides during the previous El Clasico which Real Madrid lost, Valverde expressed confidence in the French forward’s abilities, saying:

“I can’t give him lessons; he’s one of the best. He knows what to do. Obviously, we’re concerned. Barcelona is very good at playing with a high line. It’s something we, as midfielders and defenders giving the final pass, need to adapt to.”

Reflecting on the scuffle against Mallorca earlier this week, Valverde dismissed the incident as part of football.

“These things happen in football. When you lose, you’re upset, you’re heated. There are different situations where, after 90 minutes of running, someone might say the first thing that comes to mind.

“It happened on both sides, and it stays there – it’s football. Now we have to move on and focus on the final.”

Valverde reflected on the team’s defeat against Barcelona earlier in the season, stating that the defeat fueled the team to improve their performances.

“It was hard – it was tough to sleep after that. In the first half, we had opportunities to score, and that gave us confidence. But in the second half, they came out stronger, and we didn’t do things perfectly, which hurt us,” he said.

“That defeat gave us strength to move forward and become the team we are today.”

Valverde also addressed lighthearted questions about the infamous incident with Morata and how the team recovered from setbacks like Vinicius Jr. losing the Ballon d’Or race and facing challenges like the Valencia controversy.

“The thing with Morata made my name grow. Some people remind me of it, and sometimes it’s funny. What’s important is that I’m still here, and that’s beautiful,” remarked Valverde.

“After so many titles, a loss helped us reset and change things. We stayed humble, worked hard, and strengthened the group by sharing experiences we hadn’t before. It benefited us in the end.”

Source: AS