Real Madrid News
Valverde talks Ancelotti, El Clasico goal, first experience with Real Madrid senior team
Speaking in an interview with DirecTV (h/t MARCA), Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde has revealed that he felt very nervous and inferior on his first day with the senior team.
Valverde, 24, joined Real Madrid from Penarol in the summer of 2016, arriving for a nominal fee of just €5 million. He spent a year with Castilla before going out on loan to Deportivo La Coruna for a season.
Following that, Valverde was integrated into the Real Madrid first-team setup starting from the 2018/19 campaign.
During the interview, the Uruguayan international revealed how he felt when he first stepped out at the Valdebebas to train with the Real Madrid senior side, saying:
“I was very nervous. I felt very inferior, when you look at all the stars, you think what am I doing here? Now, after winning so many things, I believe that I am good enough and it’s very beautiful. I feel part of a team and I have shown that I am up to the task.”
Talking about his early journey in football, Valverde said: “My dream was to be a footballer and enjoy myself. I value every moment and take advantage of all the opportunities that arise in my life, both with my family and in sports.
“Thinking about everything I went through, the good and the bad, it was a very hard road and after having achieved many things it is very nice to see what I am experiencing.”
Valverde has been in red-hot form this season and has emerged as one of Real Madrid’s most important players. Discussing his recent displays, the midfielder added:
“Sometimes I think I’m touched by a wand. It takes a lot of work, but things seem to be going easy for me. Here I feel loved and I have received everyone’s support and that always works in my favour.”
On the support he receives from manager Carlo Ancelotti, Valverde said: “He has always shown unconditional support and in the moments that I was not doing well he let me know.”
Valverde has added goals to his game as well this season, scoring in crucial matches against Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla, among others. During the interview, he revealed that the goal in the Clasico is the one he cherishes most, saying:
“I dreamt of scoring a goal in the Clásico many times. Ancelotti told me that if I didn’t score ten goals in the season he would retire, he challenged me and it’s a nice pressure.”
Finally, Valverde discussed Uruguay’s prospects at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, saying: “Representing my country is the most beautiful thing there is. It’s a source of pride, there is nothing like it. The more difficult the group, the better. When we get something easy, we underestimate it.
“As Uruguayans, we like challenges and we have the weapons to be protagonists. We believe that we can achieve beautiful things, we may not achieve it, but our goal is to leave a mark. Everything can happen on the pitch and you have to think big.”
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.
