Valverde talks Xabi Alonso, Club World Cup, goal vs Pachuca – ‘It’s a source of pride’ | OneFootball

Federico Valverde is making a solid impression for Real Madrid yet again, as the club brace themselves for life under Xabi Alonso.

The Uruguayan international, who was already one of Carlo Ancelotti’s most important players, recently impressed in Real Madrid’s win over Pachuca.

Valverde scored a memorable goal and helped Los Blancos secure a comfortable 3-1 win over the Mexican outfit.

Valverde on scoring vs Pachuca

In a recent interview with Real Madrid’s official media channel, Valverde spoke about his experience of scoring agianst Pachuca.

“It was a play with one less player. It was a great pass from Dean (Huijsen), Vini Jr. made a great run and had the patience to pass back, which is where I was,” he said.

Valverde revealed that Real Madrid being a man down actually helped them gain more space in the attacking third.

“With one less player, there’s a lot of space because the opponent can get complacent, and we knew how to take advantage of that space,” he added.

It must be noted that Valverde had missed a crucial penalty during Real Madrid’s first Club World Cup game against Al Hilal.

“It was a great relief after missing the penalty in the first match. It was very important, beyond the team’s victory, which is always the most important thing, because I wanted to score a goal and shake off the bitterness from the previous match.

“That’s why I celebrated so fiercely. It’s also true that when you play for so long with a weaker player, each goal is much more enjoyable,” he revealed.

Valverde on FIFA Club World Cup

Valverde went on to talk about the FIFA Club World Cup in general, with the midfielder notably heaping praise on the tournament’s structure.

“It’s been a very nice, new experience. It’s the first tournament of this magnitude to be played, and it’s wonderful to see the Real Madrid fans supporting us and showing us so much affection every day,” he said.

The midfielder did not forget to appreciate the fans for showing up to support, even in lands far away from Madrid.

Valverde had missed a crucial penalty in the first game against Al Hilal. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

“At the hotel in Charlotte, it was incredible how the people welcomed us. Being able to represent this club, defend it, and having so many people supporting us is something we have to be thankful for every day,” he said.

On getting praised by Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid’s new coach Xabi Alonso appears to be a huge fan of Valverde and he made his feelings known in a recent presser.

Talking about Xabi’s kind words, Valverde said, “It’s a source of pride, an honour. It’s a beautiful thing to have your coach say those words about you. It helps me keep working and continue being an example for all my teammates and the team.“

“Being an example of working, making an effort, always being available to do what the team, and especially the coach, wants.

“Receiving those words from a person like him, who is not only our coach but what he was as a footballer, is something very important and beautiful for me,” he added.

On what Alonso expects from him

Finally, Federico Valverde revealed what Xabi Alonso expects of him and how he treats him, both in training and on the field.

The Uruguayan international explained what the Real Madrid manager asks of him, stating, “That I have a lot of control, patience, that I tries to attack the spaces and that I continue to contribute what I know.”

Valverde added that Xabi Alonso always backs him in training and gives him confidence.

“In the end, the important thing is that he gives me a lot of confidence, a lot of support, and he’s always there for me, just as he was constantly encouraging me when I missed the penalty. I’ll take those things with me,” he concluded.

Valverde is not the only one, who has been positively impacted since the arrival of Alonso, as Rodrygo, too, reportedly has had a positive shift in his attitude ever since the Spaniard was hired as Ancelotti’s replacement.