Real Madrid News
Real Madrid midfield leader talks current form, Madrid derby and more – “The team is in a good place”
Federico Valverde has perhaps been the biggest protagonist for Real Madrid in their recent revival under Alvaro Arbeloa.
The Uruguayan international has led from the front, notably scoring a memorable hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League.
Real Madrid didn’t fail to acknowledge his efforts either and have handed him the February player of the month award.
Speaking with the club media at the award presentation, Valverde has talked about the team’s current form and their prospects heading into an important derby against Atletico Madrid.
Federico Valverde on Real Madrid’s comeback
Valverde was extremely delighted for being acknowledged for his performances in February.
“I feel very proud to win this award again, I’m happy. This is also thanks to my teammates, who help me make things go well. I believe we are in a good dynamic, with very good energy.
“The team is very focused on what we’ve been doing this past month. I’m very happy with everything,” he said.
The Uruguayan international went on to offer his thoughts on Real Madrid’s recent comeback, in which he has played a crucial role.
“That the team is united and that all the players are fighting for the same goal. It’s becoming clear that we are all fighting for the same thing, that we are committed to winning all the titles left this season.
“The main thing was that every player, along with the youth academy players who have had the opportunity, has done their best to ensure Real Madrid is in a good place,” he added.
The versatile midfielder also talked about how he feels being one of the leaders at Real Madrid and playing a crucial role in this turnaround.
“Incredible. Enjoying it greatly and appreciating every moment I get to live in this club. As always, grateful to my teammates who help me be here,” he said.
Finally, Valverde offered his thoughts on the upcoming derby against Atletico Madrid, which could be a must-win game for Real Madrid if they are to remain in the title race.
“With a lot of excitement and a desire to leave a good impression, winning so we can feel more at ease during the break. We are all focused and committed to winning this match, which is very important for us,” he concluded.
Real Madrid are set to take on Atletico Madrid this Sunday at Santiago Bernabeu, a game where star player Thibaut Courtois will be missing thanks to a fresh injury.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho reacts to Vinicius suspension: “Why announce it two hours before an important match?”
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has questioned the RFEF Disciplinary Committee’s decision to announce Vinicius Jr.’s four-match suspension just hours before their UEFA Champions League meeting with AS Roma on Wednesday.
The Brazilian has been hit with a four-match ban for his red card against Villarreal, meaning he will miss the matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander, and Valencia.
And, speaking to Movistar+ (h/t MARCA) before the match, the Real Madrid manager was asked whether the punishment could affect the Brazilian psychologically.
Mourinho instead turned his attention to the football authorities and the timing of their announcement.
“I think that is a question for the Committee. Why have they announced the suspension at this particular moment? If you are asking me this question, it is presumably because you think it could affect him,” the Portuguese coach replied.
“You should ask the Committee why they did not announce it this morning, or tomorrow morning. Why do they do it two hours before a match that is important for Real Madrid, which is a Spanish club?” he added, questioning the timing of the decision.
Mourinho explains his tactical approach against Roma
The Real Madrid manager also outlined his plan for facing a Roma side known for their aggressive pressing.
“My intention is to stop them from pressing us so high up the pitch, given the players we have available and as a precaution,” he said.
Continuing, the Portuguese manager added: “They press man-to-man higher up the pitch better than anyone else, and we will see whether we can take advantage of that. If not, they will have to drop their press five or ten metres.”
Why Rudiger over Huijsen
Mourinho also justified his decision to start Antonio Rudiger at centre-back alongside Ibrahima Konate rather than Dean Huijsen.
“They played very well together in the last match, Rudiger and Konate, showing great leadership and the ability to withstand a difficult situation when we had ten men for 30 minutes,” he said.
“I am not saying Dean is not capable of playing a match like this, but this is a wonderful atmosphere for Roma and a difficult one for us. I think a player with Antonio’s experience can be important,” Mourinho added.
Finally, Mourinho was asked about his emotions ahead of returning to face Roma, the club he managed between 2021 and 2024.
The Portuguese coach offered a brief response, saying that he had his feelings about the occasion “blocked”.
