Real Madrid News
Valverde, Fran Garcia react after Real Madrid 3-2 AC Milan: “Going to achieve big things”
Over the years, Real Madrid have become famous for their ability to pull off comebacks from seemingly unthinkable situations. It is only poetic that their first pre-season game ahead of the 2023-24 campaign featured a comeback of incredible proportions.
Los Blancos went 2-0 down on the night against AC Milan after goals from Fikayo Tomori and Luka Romero. However, they came back strong in the second period to finish the game with a 3-2 scoreline and get off to a winning start.
Federico Valverde was named the man of the match on the night for his brace in the second half. Speaking to the media after the game, he talked about his feelings over the first match of the new season.
“It was great to get the win and to be able to share it with the fans. It’s the first game of the season, we came into it with a bit of fatigue from pre-season training and now we’ll start getting used to the coach’s system. We’ll feel much better in time.”
The midfielder then elaborated on his motivation heading into a new campaign and the general sensation in the dressing room, saying:
“I’ve started the season with motivation sky high, the same hunger and desire as ever to achieve my goals with this club. I try and enjoy myself with the team and my teammates, who always help me to be my best. It’s beautiful to be a part of this.”
When Los Blancos were down and out, the Uruguayan’s goal came as a saving grace and one that reignited hope of a comeback. Valverde emphasised the importance of his first goal and how it came about.
“When you score a goal after being 0-2 down, the team up the pressure as you try and find the equaliser. That’s the way it went. I won the ball back and it ended up in the back of the net.”
Finally, he has special words for his teammates Luka Modric and Vinicius Jr and stated that there was good reason to hope for a successful season ahead.
“I enjoy winning the ball, watching Modrić pick passes like that and then seeing Vinicius finish so brilliantly. This is a great group and if we all pull in the same direction, we’re going to achieve big things and we’re so excited for this season.”
New signing Fran Garcia started the game on the bench but came on at half-time to replace Ferland Mendy. Speaking after his first game as a Real Madrid player this season, the left-back expressed his joy with no hesitation.
“I’m pleased with how the game ended up because I got to play. I’m feeling great about starting out with this team.”
“We have worked hard, understanding what each one of us has to do and helping each other out. We can adapt to a different style of play or to whatever Ancelotti asks of us.”
The Spanish defender then went on to speak about the pride he felt wearing the white colours after a long hiatus and the responsibility that came with it.
“It’s a dream and a great honour to pull this jersey on again, to be wearing these colours. It really is unbelievable for me. I had the drive and the ambition to come back and wear this jersey again to defend the Madrid badge.”
Garcia elaborated on his bond with Vinicius Jr and revealed that the duo played together when the Brazilian was training with the Castilla side early into his spell at Real Madrid.
“I was with Vini at Castilla and I was chatting to him about that the other day. I’m proud of how we have played together and we have to keep working hard.”
Finally, he closed with a statement expressing his excitement over the period to come and the immense support the team has in the United States.
“When you experience what Real Madrid means, you start to see it differently. To come to Los Angeles and see everyone so excited to watch the game just makes you so happy.”
Source: Real Madrid website
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid rising star suffered against Atletico due to veteran forward’s absence, says Simeone
Real Madrid’s 3-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid was not the first time were in trouble this season. In fact, the Merengues have gone behind early in almost every league game so far.
However, the difference on Sunday night was that they never really mounted a comeback. More importantly, Jude Bellingham did not come good, for the first time.
Simeone unravels the mystery
A jubilant Diego Simeone spoke to the media after his side downed Real Madrid by three goals to one and spoke about a plethora of topics.
Interestingly, he commented specifically on why Bellingham did not have an impact at Civitas Metropolitano, citing the absence of Joselu as a key factor.
“No, the spaces were reduced and I think that Joselu’s lack of presence left him with fewer chances to get there, when he takes advantage of Joselu’s aerial play. We controlled him better, he’s extraordinary,” he said, as quoted by AS.
He even called out the refereeing on the night and insisted that the Real Madrid star-boy should have seen red for his late tackle on Angel Correa, saying:
“It looked like a sending-off to me live, it was a hard leg up, with Angelito hitting the ball.”
Ironically, he defended his defender Jose Maria Gimenez for an equally threatening tackle on the night.
“A bad foul, it’s a yellow card because it goes sideways. Bellingham goes from the front and I think it’s a bit more,” he stated paradoxically.
No time to lament
The game at Civitas Metropolitano may not have gone Real Madrid’s way. Yet, it is good for the Merengues to taste defeat early and see the gaping holes in their dynamic.
Carlo Ancelotti admitted in his press conference that he bore the lion’s share of the fault for Sunday’s loss and that he would have done things differently if given the chance.
“Maybe I could have done it better. It’s pretty clear. When the team doesn’t do what it has to do, it’s my responsibility,” he stated.
Nevertheless, Los Blancos have a hectic schedule ahead with two games in the next five days and a UCL fixture against Napoli next week. With Vinicius Jr back, one hopes they find their mojo once again.
Elfran Czeko
July 25, 2023 at 1:16 am
I watch games and also read write ups about Real Madrid- team, players, individual players, as fan. With this news post on Valverde, I want to recall a news write up some days/weeks ago, which I read: “…there is talk in Madrid that Valverde will be sold because there are so many midfielders now with addition young good players…” and I said to myself “he should not be sold.” What now…? Valverde made Real Madrid and the millions of RM fans happy with his goals. Qstn: Will anybody still dare say “Valverde should be sold?”