Former Barcelona scout criticises Real Madrid coach following Valverde’s comments – “Should be more relaxed” | OneFootball

Real Madrid are going through a difficult period in defence, especially following injuries to Antonio Rudiger, Trent Alexander-Arnold and now, Dani Carvajal.

The right-back position, in particular, has become a sore spot for Real Madrid, having lost both first-team options in Carvajal and Trent.

In this situation, one would expect Xabi Alonso, who usually has immense faith in young players, to employ Jesus Fortea in the position, but the youngster is unavailable due to the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

As a result, Xabi Alonso wants to play Federico Valverde at right-back, though the player himself, in the lead-up to the Almaty Kairat game this midweek, made it clear that he doesn’t like to play in the position.

“I wasn’t born to play as a full-back, I didn’t grow up learning to play as a full-back, and when I played there I was proud to have done well,” Valverde said.

Federico Valverde admits he is not comfortable playing as a fullback. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Bojan Krkic Sr criticises Xabi Alonso for Valverde’s comments

These comments from the player did not sit well with former Barcelona scout Bojan Krkic Sr, who went on to criticise Xabi Alonso and urged him to be calmer on the bench.

“When a player like Valverde makes this kind of statement, it means he doesn’t see the coach as strong enough. Xabi Alonso should feel much calmer on the bench,” he told Que Thi Jugues.

Krkic Sr, who is the father of former Barcelona prodigy Bojan Krkic, has served as a scout for Barcelona in the past, though he did quit the club in 2020.

Nevertheless, Krkic Sr believes Valverde’s comments in public were a sign of weakness for Real Madrid and in particular, Xabi Alonso.