Real Madrid News
Uruguay coach clears the air with Real Madrid captain Federico Valverde: ‘I never had any problems’
The Uruguay national team is one of the sides that disappointed the most at the ongoing FIFA World Cup as they were eliminated in the group stages against all expectations.
Marcelo Bielsa’s men drew two and lost one of their three group stage games, scoring three and conceding four goals at the event.
In the days leading up to their final game against Spain, there was already palpable internal tension and news of a rift between the manager and the players.
Federico Valverde is said to have led a rebellion against the manager’s methods, and Bielsa has now stepped down as coach of the NT in light of the developments.
Bielsa explains his relationship with Valverde
The recent Uruguay NT manager Marcelo Bielsa spoke to the media in the aftermath of his team’s shocking group stage elimination.
Among the many topics he addressed was Real Madrid’s captain, Federico Valverde.
Bielsa was full of praise for the midfield star and even called it one of his ‘dreams’ to have coached the player.
“When I joined Uruguay, I dreamed of coaching Fede Valverde,” he said.
He then cleared the air of any misunderstanding or rift with the player and explained how Valverde was one of the easiest players to work with.
“I never had any problems with Valverde.”
“I’ve never made more concessions than I did for Valverde, because he deserves it,” he added.
On the player’s versatility
The manager then went on to praise Valverde for his versatility and open-mindedness as much as he praised his humility, stating that the player was ready to play anywhere on the field as long as it helped the team.
“I told Valverde that I might play him as an RB, and I listed 5 LW’s he was able to stop with Real Madrid,” he began.
“I also told him he might play as an RW, or in his main position as a midfielder,” he added.
Bielsa finally repeated the words that Valverde told him when faced with the situation of uncertainty around his role in the team.
“His response was: ‘Play me wherever the team needs coach’.”
Source: Diario AS
In what will come as a pleasing development for fans, Fabrizio Romano reports that Real Madrid forward Rodrygo could make a comeback from his injury earlier than expected.
The 25-year-old Brazilian international has been out of action since March after suffering an ACL injury during a La Liga game against Getafe.
Due to the complete rupture of the ACL, coupled with associated meniscus damage, it was suggested that the attacker was staring at a lengthy time out on the sidelines and might not return until 2027.
In fact, the forward’s father, Eric Goes, recently stated in an interview that the Real Madrid ace could be back in February next year, just before the business end of the campaign.
Rodrygo could be back in December
However, as per the update from Romano, Rodrygo’s comeback could happen well before that expected date.
Indeed, if things continue to progress at the current rate, the 25-year-old attacker might return to action in December or by January 2027 at the latest.
This will come as a welcome boost for Jose Mourinho & co., considering that Rodrygo is a valuable player for the team.
Even though he had endured a tough spell prior to his form, the Brazilian’s versatility, work rate off the ball, and eye for a goal make him an asset.
Rodrygo eager to be back at his best
The update from Romano further states that Rodrygo feels very grateful to Real Madrid for all the help and support they have given him during this difficult phase of his career.
As such, the Brazilian international has made it a mission to return to action in the best shape possible and make an impact from the get-go.
The attacker has only recently begun working on the pitch with the ball indicating the significant progress he has made on the road to recovery.
And, if there are no setbacks, Real Madrid could recover one of their ace attackers before the end of the current year.
So far in his career, Rodrygo has made 297 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 71 goals. He has a contract with the club until 2028.
