Real Madrid: Fede Valverde admits he's not in top form | OneFootball

Fede Valverde

During Monday's press conference, Fede Valverde was candid in his self-critique just two days after Real Madrid's humiliating 5-2 derby defeat to Atletico.

Real Madrid will look to bounce back tomorrow night against Kairat Almaty in the Champions League after a completely disastrous outing in La Liga on Saturday against Atletico Madrid. Ahead of the match, Fede Valverde faced the media and opened up about his current situation. "I'm frustrated. I'm aware of my own game and I'm the first to know it. A player knows when he's had a bad match and when he's not performing on the pitch. I started this new project well, had a good Club World Cup, but now I'm struggling more to feel comfortable on the field. I'll keep giving everything I have as captain, both on and off the pitch." said the Uruguayan.

Previously thriving under Carlo Ancelotti, Fede is being used more in midfield by Xabi Alonso—a decision he respects: "We listen, we observe, and we're constantly critiqued. I wasn't born to play full-back; I didn't grow up learning that position. It happened overnight; managing to play well there made me proud. I wondered if I just got lucky in those matches. Playing as a full-back, I felt comfortable, and we won a lot. I was moved to the wing and we won a Champions League. And also in central midfield. But I don't feel comfortable (as a full-back, editor's note) because there are a lot of qualities I lack, like the ability to lock down the defense. Still, I always try to give my best and show character. I've always made it clear that I'm available for whatever the coach needs."