Valverde defends himself, says he gets on well with Xabi Alonso | OneFootball

Despite the big 5-0 victory over Kairat Almaty-CAZ this Tuesday, Real Madrid is facing a major controversy involving Uruguayan Federico Valverde and coach Xabi Alonso. In the Champions League triumph, the Spanish coach did not use the player who, on the eve of the match, made controversial statements about playing out of position at right-back.

In a press conference alongside the coach, Valverde said that he “wasn’t born” to play at right-back, even with Real Madrid missing both of their players for the position: Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal.

“Playing as a right-back? I wasn’t born to play as a full-back, I didn’t grow up in that position. It happened suddenly, playing well made me proud. I had doubts whether maybe I’d just been lucky in those games,” said Valverde.

As a consequence, or not, Valverde didn’t even leave the bench against Kairat, and Xabi Alonso chose to play Raul Asencio out of position at right-back.

Photo: Oscar DEL POZO / AFP

Valverde’s Version

Through his social media, Valverde gave his side of the story and stated that he has a good relationship with Xabi. In addition, the Uruguayan denied that he had “refused to play” against Kairat in the Champions League.

“I’ve read several articles that have harmed me. I know I’ve had bad games, I’m aware of that. I’m not hiding anything and I speak openly about it. I’m really sad. People can say many things about me, but under no circumstances can they say that I refuse to play. I’ve given everything and more for this club. I’ve played through fractures and injuries and never complained or asked for a break,” he said.

“I have a good relationship with the coach, which gives me the confidence to tell him which position I like most on the field, but I always, always make it clear that I am available to play anywhere, on any trip, and in every match. I’ve left my soul at this club and I will continue to do so, even if sometimes it’s not enough or I’m not playing as I’d like, I swear on my pride that I’ll never give up and I’ll fight until the end, playing wherever I am,” Valverde concluded.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.