Fede Valverde talks Real Madrid captaincy, Alonso and pre-season – ‘It’s a dream for every kid’ | OneFootball

Federico Valverde will be one of Real Madrid’s captains heading into the new season – a role he is taking very seriously as the club gear up for the 2025/26 campaign.

In a pre-season interview with RMTV (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Valverde reflected on the journey so far and the goals that lie ahead.

The midfielder also talked about Xabi Alonso and he has added fresh perspective to the Real Madrid team.

Valverde on wearing the armband

Now a cornerstone of the Madrid midfield, Valverde admitted that wearing the armband still feels surreal.

“I’m proud to wear this jersey again and to be one of the captains. It’s the dream every kid has when they love football and start playing the sport,” he said.

“Today, I’m showing it off and enjoying it with my family. Sometimes we don’t believe it, but the important thing is to enjoy every moment as if it were the last,” he added.

Valverde on pre-season, Xabi Alonso

With Madrid’s LaLiga opener against Osasuna set for August 19, preparations under new coach Xabi Alonso are well underway.

Real Madrid, though, haven’t had the best of pre-seasons and the mood was dampened by an embarassing defeat to PSG in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinal.

Federico Valverde is fired up for the new season (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Talking about the importance of building a good momentum heading into the new season, Valverde added,

“We have to make the most of every workout, every morning or afternoon we train. We know it’s our fuel for the entire year, to gather energy and stay focused on what the coach wants.”

As per Valverde, the appointment of Xabi Alonso has added fresh tactical focus to the Real Madrid team, both in training and in matches.

“We’re working on a lot of tactics, above all. We’re working hard on pressing, being together, playing the ball a lot, and getting to know each other better,” he said.

“New players have come in. We’ve had a tournament in the middle, but we’re also lacking a lot of coordination. Being more united when it comes to defending and attacking, that’s what we’re honing right now,” he added.

Finally, the Uruguayan international offered a positive update on Real Madrid’s training so far in pre-season while stating that Real Madrid are ready to fight for all titles next season.

“All of my teammates have proven they’ve worked hard during the break. That’s always good for avoiding injuries and being better when the season starts.”

“We’re very happy to be back training. We’re going to aim for all the titles this year,” he concluded.