Ahead of Real Madrid’s visit to Atalanta on Tuesday, Federico Valverde admitted that seeing the team in the lower ranks of the Champions League table is something that the players are not familiar with, as they are used to being in the top positions.
Having enjoyed nothing but success in the Champions League, Real Madrid find themselves in unfamiliar territory ahead of their trip to Atalanta: in the lower ranks of the table. ‘Los Blancos’ are 24th in the league-phase standings, fighting for survival as two points separate them from the elimination zone. But fans are not the only ones astonished by the team’s critical situation.
“We’re in a situation we’re not used to,” Federico Valverde said during a press conference on Monday. ‘It’s tough. We’re not used to going through these moments; we’re used to being at the top. But we have to be calm, accept that it’s part of football, part of the process and trust in the work. Hopefully, at the end of the season, we will enjoy titles”. The midfielder suggested that the bad run could perhaps serve as a teaching moment for his side, as he added: “Despite winning so much, we have to keep our feet on the ground“.
On how to overcome Madrid’s struggles, Valverde said: “The only way to change that is to go out on the pitch at our best, to show everything we’ve been working on over the last few days. We need to be solid at the back and effective upfront. We know that Atalanta can mark the man, but that can benefit us because of the players we have. That’s what we’re thinking about”.
Ancelotti’s men will be desperate to win against the Atalanta, who currently sit in 5th place with 11 points, but the Uruguayan acknowledge that their task may not be so easy. “They will make it very difficult and will throw men at us, but we have very quick and skilful players to counter that. We have players made for these kinds of games“, he explained.
During the same press conference, Valverde also spoke about his mistake in Real Madrid’s 2-1 defeat to Athletic Club last week. “A few games ago I made a very key mistake that had never happened to me before. That night I had trouble sleeping;” he said. But the midfielder is ready to turn pages, while also insisting that he has no intention to stop amid the demanding schedule “But I have to move forward and show that I’m one of the captains,” he told reporters.
“I want to keep playing. I try to rest and eat well so that I’m recovered the next day. Of course, sometimes your nerves can snap. After San Mames, for example, I had a hard time sleeping, because I’m not used to these moments. I told my wife that I might be a bit tired psychologically and she told me that there’s no need to sink, that I’m a captain and I have to put my chest into all of this. My priority is for the team to see that, no matter how many mistakes we make, we always have to move forward. I’m proud to wear this shirt, to defend the best team in the world,” he continued.
Valverde concluded by declaring eternal love for his club despite their current poor form. “I enjoy defending this badge, to play for these fans. For me, it’s a great source of pride. Of course, there are days when I’m tired, but I want my children to see everything I’ve done for Real Madrid after I retire. I want my parents to be proud. I always want to play“
