Valverde talks Bellingham, Guler, playing at right-back, captaincy ahead of Real Madrid vs Man City | OneFootball

Federico Valverde addressed the media ahead of Real Madrid’s crucial UEFA Champions League knockout playoff second-leg against Manchester City.

Despite carrying a 3-2 advantage from the first leg, the Uruguayan remained cautious, emphasising the difficulty of securing qualification at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Valverde stressed the importance of concentration, teamwork, and efforts in both defence and attack to ensure progression, saying:

“It’s a match that will decide the tie. We know how important it is to win tomorrow, to be focused. We always try to do our best, but the important thing is the team, that we are good, that we have some luck and that we all work hard in defence and attack to qualify.”

Valverde has recently been deployed as a right-back due to squad needs and expressed his satisfaction with how he has adapted to the role.

“For now, I’m happy to do well in that position. I’m playing because there is a shortage of players and I’ve had to step up in that position. I think I’ve done well when I’ve had to play there,” said the Uruguayan.

“I’m available to the team and the coach, to do whatever he wants. If in the future I don’t have opportunities to play in the middle, I can play there at full-back. I’m enjoying it and I’m learning.”

Valverde credited teammates Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vázquez as key figures in his adaptation, calling them legends of the club from whom he continues to learn.

“I have great examples for me, such as Carvajal and Lucas, who are icons of this club, legends of Real Madrid. I admire them and try to learn from them as players and as captains. I try to give the maximum in the position I play in,” he noted.

On the topic of refereeing in different competitions, Valverde avoided criticism and instead highlighted the pressure officials face.

“It is not for me to judge the referee. We are all human and we can make mistakes. Referees are also criticised a lot and when they do things well they are not praised either,” said Valverde.

“All I can do is be there for the team and make sure that, as captain, the team thinks of us, to work to give the best to this club and for the team to win titles at the end of the year.”

Set to captain the team tomorrow. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

The midfielder also defended the intensity and passion of his teammates, particularly Jude Bellingham, amid discussions about the number of yellow cards and suspensions.

“I would never tell a player not to protest. We players live the game to the full, with our blood running hot. There are players who experience it in one way, others in another… What I want is for the players to give their all on the pitch,” he remarked.

“Jude (Bellingham) is a player who always wants to win, always wants to fight. This time it was his turn, as it can happen to others. I like his grit. We have to stick together as a team.nyone. I love his passion. We must stay united as a team.”

Despite Pep Guardiola’s suggestion that Madrid are 99% favourites to progress, Valverde remained focused on the performance rather than the label.

“I’m very happy with the great game we played in the first leg, with a lot of belief, a lot of desire and a lot of motivation. I see how my teammates are training these days and that gives me great peace of mind. It gives me a lot of confidence that we can qualify,” he said.

The versatile midfielder also praised young teammate Arda Guler, predicting a bright future for him at the club.

“He’s spectacular. He is a young player who has just arrived. He has a great future at Real Madrid. It’s a pleasure for us to have him. He has all the qualities to be an idol at this club and to leave his mark at Real Madrid,” said Valverde.

“I went through the same thing when I arrived. Most of the young players had to go out on loan, to be on the bench, to wait a lot of matches. But that makes you mature and grow. That’s what makes you ready for when the day comes and Arda is very prepared.”

Holding an aggregate lead heading into the second leg, Valverde acknowledged the advantage but insisted that Madrid must remain focused.

“Yes, because we don’t have to come from behind. At least for now. On that point we’re a bit calmer. We’ll try to make it a night to remember for all Madrid fans and bring us a little closer to the most beautiful title of all,” declared Valverde.

He also compared this current Manchester City team to past versions, noting their evolution and Madrid’s own improvements.

“They are different teams, it’s true. A few years ago they had more control of the game, more pressure. We also changed our attitude, the way we play,” he said.

“We played a great game in England and that allows us to be a bit calmer here. We also have to look at our side and be very proud that we have improved in many areas.”

Finally, Valverde expressed his pride in wearing the captain’s armband, recognising the responsibility it brings, saying:

“I feel very honoured to be able to hold the ribbon that so many legends have held in their arms. For me it’s also nice to be that figurehead for so many people. Being captain you are looked at differently and that is also a sign of respect for the team.

“Carvajal, Lucas, Modric… they are always there to help me. That makes me grow as a captain and as a person and be a point of reference for this group.”

Source: AS