Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has attempted to bury any controversy surrounding their Vice-Captain Fede Valverde. The Uruguayan felt the need to address speculation that he had refused to play at right-back ahead of their clash against Kairat Almaty.
With Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold out injured, it was reported that Fede Valverde was in line to start at right-back. Yet before the game, he stated that he preferred to play in midfield, and then cut a disillusioned figure on the bench in Kazakhstan. Alonso did his best to clear up any drama.
“He’s ready for tomorrow. Fine. All right, we should have all the players back tomorrow, including Valverde.”
“No one has ever told me they don’t want to play a position. Everyone wants to play, but no one has ever told me that. Everyone is very willing, and from there, I’ll be the one who decides. Let’s be clear.”
‘Closeness with the players is fundamental to me’ – Alonso
On a more general note, Alonso was asked if any players had questioned his authority.
“We spend a lot of time together, as I said before. And we have that closeness, preparing for games, celebrating victories… that makes us feel close. I’ve always noticed that closeness in the players; knowing what I’m doing, but respecting each other. And that’s fundamental to me.”
Valverde sat out warm up – ‘I want everyone to participate’
In addition to not warming up on the touchline during the game against Kairat, Valverde was also spotted sitting on the Real Madrid bench while other players took part in a ‘rondo’ beforehand.
“It’s something we like, which I think is good, because you have to be prepared for anything. I want everyone to participate.”
The Basque manager also played down the importance of the drama of being Real Madrid manager.
“I don’t give it much importance, because I give it to what I can control. The dressing room, what I experience. The outside… I handle it pretty well. It’s not the first time, and I know it won’t be the last. I don’t wear myself out too much.”
Alonso to avoid controversy against Villarreal
After a comfortable victory against Kairat, Real Madrid face a sterner test with the visit of third-place Villarreal on Saturday night. The latest is that Alonso is expected to avoid using Valverde at right-back, and will instead start Raul Asencio there.
