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
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Brazilian national team are ‘dreaming’ of appointing Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti as their next manager.
The Selecao decided to part ways with Tite after the team underdelivered in the FIFA World Cup 2022. Ramon Menezes has taken charge of the senior team for the time being until a permanent appointment is made.
And, the Brazil Football Confederation is clear about who their preferred target is. Ancelotti has been heavily linked with the South American nation in recent months and comments from players like Ederson, Rodrygo Goes and Vinicius Jr have only served to further fuel the rumours.
Now, Romano is claiming that Brazil dream of naming Ancelotti as their manager and are hoping that he will be parting ways with Real Madrid at the end of the season.
As far as the situation at the club is concerned, Romano states that Real Madrid are working hard to protect Ancelotti from external pressure as they want him to remain focused on winning the UEFA Champions League this season.
The Italian tactician remains in 100% control of the team at the moment and the club are trying to shield him from external factors.
However, at the same time, trophies are a must at a club of this stature and hence, Romano adds that Real Madrid have a potential list of candidates to take over.
Thomas Tuchel was among the names on the list, but has signed for Bayern Munich. Raul Gonzalez, currently in charge of the Castilla team, is also being looked at along with former Tottenham and PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino.
As of now, Ancelotti remains in control of things at Real Madrid and any decision on his future will only be made at the end of the season. And, Brazil are lying in wait to pounce if an opportunity to sign the Italian manager presents itself.
