managing madrid 
29-04-2024 17:57
29-04-2024 17:57
Valverde: "With Ancelotti, I have grown as a footballer and as a person, he helps me with everything"
Fede Valverde spoke to the media before the semi-final clash vs fellow European giants Bayern Munich. Valverde spoke about a lot of things, including his bond with Carlo Ancelotti, on which he said: “He has been fundamental, helping me with everything. With him, I have grown not only as a footballer but as a person. Not closing myself to a single position and enjoying more places, winger, midfield... With him I have learned to value that a player must adapt to what a coach wants.”
Valverde on why he didn’t take the penalty vs Man City
“That night I went to bed with the regret of having been able to leave that mark on Real Madrid, of going to the semi-finals with a goal of mine, especially because I am good at penalties. But I like to classify myself anyway, and if another teammate did it, that’s fine. But I had a bitter taste, yes. Sometimes, you have to put aside your ego and pride, recognize that you are very tired and tell the coaching staff that you are not prepared to take a penalty. I hope in the future I look stronger and it doesn’t happen again.”
Valverde’s thoughts before the game
“We’re good, excited, after enjoying many games this season. Competing with Real Madrid is the most beautiful thing there is and I try to make the most of it. I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
Valverde on playing alongside Kroos in a double pivot
“I’ve grown up in the double pivot, so I haven’t had to adapt much. I took my first steps in that double five, as we say in South America. I just really enjoy playing with a star, an idol that I have always admired. It is an honor to play alongside him. I will always play where they tell me. Sometimes, they distance me from Kroos, but that means getting closer to Modric. This club is a privilege and I enjoy it very much.”
Will it be a defensive Madrid on Tuesday?
“I don’t know, but our defenders are world class, who have been through Champions League finals. First, respect our defenders and then the forwards in front.
You need a bit of luck, if not, look against City a couple of years ago. The normal thing would have been to leave, we took two balls on the line and advanced. The luck of the champion, they say. You have to take advantage of it when you have it. And know that sometimes he is on the other side.”
Valverde on stopping Gnabry
“I repeat what I have said. I trust my teammates and, although we have to respect Bayern, I prioritize things first. Confidence and fight.”
Valverde on locker room’s confidence
“I can talk to you about myself: very excited. It will be my first time against Bayern in the Champions League and I am happy, looking forward to it. Appreciating every moment I spend defending this shield and playing this competition with this shirt.”
Valverde about Musiala
“He is a huge footballer, who has achieved something very big in a short time and I predict something big for him [in the future]. But hopefully tomorrow we will beat Bayern. He is marking an era in this club and in football. And he’s going to continue doing it.”
Valverde on respecting opponents
“In the Champions League, all the teams deserve respect, and all the games are very complicated. But we have a lot of quality, dedication and desire to play; let the people know that, too.”
Valverde on why he didn’t take the penalty vs Man City
“That night I went to bed with the regret of having been able to leave that mark on Real Madrid, of going to the semi-finals with a goal of mine, especially because I am good at penalties. But I like to classify myself anyway, and if another teammate did it, that’s fine. But I had a bitter taste, yes. Sometimes, you have to put aside your ego and pride, recognize that you are very tired and tell the coaching staff that you are not prepared to take a penalty. I hope in the future I look stronger and it doesn’t happen again.”
Valverde’s thoughts before the game
“We’re good, excited, after enjoying many games this season. Competing with Real Madrid is the most beautiful thing there is and I try to make the most of it. I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
Valverde on playing alongside Kroos in a double pivot
“I’ve grown up in the double pivot, so I haven’t had to adapt much. I took my first steps in that double five, as we say in South America. I just really enjoy playing with a star, an idol that I have always admired. It is an honor to play alongside him. I will always play where they tell me. Sometimes, they distance me from Kroos, but that means getting closer to Modric. This club is a privilege and I enjoy it very much.”
Will it be a defensive Madrid on Tuesday?
“I don’t know, but our defenders are world class, who have been through Champions League finals. First, respect our defenders and then the forwards in front.
You need a bit of luck, if not, look against City a couple of years ago. The normal thing would have been to leave, we took two balls on the line and advanced. The luck of the champion, they say. You have to take advantage of it when you have it. And know that sometimes he is on the other side.”
Valverde on stopping Gnabry
“I repeat what I have said. I trust my teammates and, although we have to respect Bayern, I prioritize things first. Confidence and fight.”
Valverde on locker room’s confidence
“I can talk to you about myself: very excited. It will be my first time against Bayern in the Champions League and I am happy, looking forward to it. Appreciating every moment I spend defending this shield and playing this competition with this shirt.”
Valverde about Musiala
“He is a huge footballer, who has achieved something very big in a short time and I predict something big for him [in the future]. But hopefully tomorrow we will beat Bayern. He is marking an era in this club and in football. And he’s going to continue doing it.”
Valverde on respecting opponents
“In the Champions League, all the teams deserve respect, and all the games are very complicated. But we have a lot of quality, dedication and desire to play; let the people know that, too.”