Real Madrid News
Federico Valverde talks Vinicius, World Cup, favourite position ahead of Al Ahly clash
Real Madrid will lock horns with Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup in Rabat, Morocco on Wednesday.
Los Blancos go into the game on the back of a disappointing 1-0 defeat to RCD Mallorca in La Liga, which has derailed their hopes of defending the title.
With pressure mounting on the manager and the team, the FIFA Club World Cup becomes a crucial tournament for Real Madrid.
On the eve of the match, midfielder Federico Valverde interacted with the media and opened up on several topics including the controversies surrounding Real Madrid teammate Vinicius Jr as well as his personal decline in form after the World Cup break.
On the FIFA Club World Cup: “The Club World Cup was my first title and it was very special. It meant a lot in my career. The path to get here is also nice. I try to enjoy every moment at Real Madrid.”
On the Vinicius Jr controversies: “Vinicius seems to me to be an incredible person, with a lot of values. On the pitch, he tries to enjoy himself in his own way, like all Brazilians, with joy. It’s part of football. They have to respect him more. People must have problems at home and they take it out on him.”
On the fixture calendar: “It’s part of modern football, playing every two or three days. You play more and more and you rest less and less. There is more and more travelling. I always try to take the positives out of it. You have to get used to living with that.”
On Uruguay’s disappointing World Cup run: ” Returning from the World Cup with Uruguay affected me because when you are going for a goal, you have so much hope and you want to go as far as possible, it hurts that it didn’t work out that way.
“But it helps you improve in all aspects. Good things don’t always happen in football. Before the World Cup, I was in a very good moment and now it’s not the same. I have to keep working.”
On playing in Morocco: “Before the trip, I usually talk to my brother about football. And we talked about the fans here. It’s spectacular. The stadium is also incredible. It’s beautiful how they live football. It’s a nice place to come and play. In Uruguay, we don’t have this level of stadiums.”
On facing Al Ahly: ” Al Ahly have a very good fan base. We know what this team is in this part of the world. We know what they generate on the pitch and the history they have. But we will bring out our weapons, always with respect.”
On his recent form: “When you go on the pitch you try to escape, to enjoy yourself. My family supports me, which is what I need, and of course, when you don’t get the results you have to give your best. It generates frustration and anger.
“Against Atlético I was sad because I was substituted. I like to finish games and I like to win. And neither of these two things happened. And the same thing happened in Mallorca. I have to keep learning and improving. You have to be prepared for the bumps.”
On his favoured position: “I like playing as an interior, it’s where I feel most comfortable, but when I played as a winger I was happier and I performed better. When you play in several positions you have more options to play. I have to be ready for anything.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. admits finishing problem after another frustrating night vs Elche: ‘Can’t miss that much’
Vinicius Jr.’s difficult start in front of goal continued against Elche, and the Real Madrid forward did not need anyone to tell him he had missed another chance to make the difference.
The Brazilian finished the night without a goal despite having chances to get on the scoresheet, while his teammates could only watch from the bench as opportunities went begging.
Jose Mourinho had already identified the problem before kick-off, bluntly pointing to the issue facing his forward, stating, “He’s missing the goal.”
Vini offered an equally frank assessment afterwards.
Rather than hide from another frustrating evening, he accepted responsibility on social media: “The goals will come back; I can’t miss that much…”
Two chances, no finish for Vinicius
Vinicius had two particularly clear openings against Elche, but neither produced the finish Real Madrid needed from their star forward.
The first arrived when he found himself one-on-one with the opposition goalkeeper.
Instead of finding the net, Vinicius caught the ball with the tip of his foot and sent his effort wide. Arda Guler was available during the move and called for the ball, but Vini backed himself to finish the chance.
He had another opportunity after the interval, this time following an excellent pass from Guler during a quick Real Madrid transition. Again, though, Vinicius could not find the target.
His evening ended in the 68th minute, with Mourinho deciding the Brazilian was tired and turning his attention towards Sunday’s Atletico Madrid derby.
Mourinho has a bigger decision to make
The numbers show why Vinicius’ finishing has become a talking point. He managed five shots against Elche, but only one was on target and none found the net.
After seven appearances this season, the Brazilian has scored just once, which is a striking return for a player Real Madrid rely upon to provide a major share of their attacking threat.
Ultimately, though, Real Madrid found another route to victory, with Arda Guler, Kylian Mbappe and Carlos Espi providing the goals in the 3-2 comeback.
