Federico Valverde responds to Diego Simeone’s latest dig at Real Madrid teammate | OneFootball

Real Madrid star Federico Valverde has provided his response to the latest efforts of Atlético Madrid head coach Diego Simeone to wind up teammate Vinícius Jr.

This comes after the pair were involved in more than one testy exchange on Thursday evening.

The latest edition of the Madrid Derby of course took place a short time ago.

After the capital heavyweights made the journey to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, they locked horns on the pitch for a place in the finale of the Spanish Super Cup.

When all was said and done, it was Xabi Alonso’s Real who triumphed, to book a weekend showdown with Barcelona.

And yet, throughout the 90 minutes, the headline talking point came in the form of the persistent back-and-forth between the aforementioned Vinícius, and Simeone.

Atlético’s headmaster appeared nothing short of desperate to get under the skin of Real Madrid’s star winger this evening, ultimately managing as much as Vinícius made his way off as a substitute late on.

Speaking to the media following the full-time whistle, Blancos captain Federico Valverde was therefore drawn on the situation.

And the Uruguayan made use of the opportunity to somewhat defend Simeone, in explaining:

“Simeone’s words to Vini Jr? It’s part of football. It’s a derby, it stays on the pitch.”

Conor Laird – GSFN