Emotional Real Madrid star admits: ‘It’s hard to feel comfortable now’

Real Madrid vice-captain Federico Valverde cut a downcast figure as he faced the media ahead of his side’s Champions League clash with Kairat Almaty.

Los Blancos are coming off a historic 5-2 derby defeat to Atletico Madrid on Saturday. It was the first time the 15-time European champions conceded five goals to their city rivals in over 70 years.

The game ended Real Madrid’s 100 per cent LaLiga record under new head coach Xabi Alonso and allowed Barcelona to move to the summit of the standings. The following morning, the devastated players had to set off on a 4,000-mile trip to Kazakhstan.

According to The Athletic, sources close to the team described the atmosphere in the travelling party as being akin to ‘a funeral,’ with the result having sent shockwaves through the club.

Facing the media for the customary pre-match press conference, vice-captain Federico Valverde did not appear in a particularly good mood, having come in for plenty of criticism for his recent form.

Valverde: ‘It’s harder to feel comfortable now’

A midfielder by trade, the Uruguay international has had to deputise in various roles at Real Madrid in recent years. He previously played well as a makeshift full-back, but he has struggled with his defensive responsibilities under Alonso, even when playing in the middle of the park.

“I’m a little frustrated,” Valverde began when quizzed about his form. “I’m aware of how I’m playing; I’m the first to know when things aren’t going my way. Players know firsthand if they’re having a bad game.

“It’s true that I started well in the new project, at the [Club] World Cup; I think I played well there. Now it’s much harder for me to feel comfortable on the pitch.

“I wasn’t born to play full-back; I didn’t grow up playing there,” he added before revealing niggling doubts. “It was a moment of emergency. Being able to do well filled me with pride. But I always wondered if those games were just a bit of luck, spontaneous nights.

“I felt comfortable at full-back. We won a lot when I played out wide; we won the Champions League with me there, and another with me in the middle. I’m always available; I will learn a new position if necessary.

“I don’t feel comfortable because I didn’t grow up playing there. I struggle with things like closing down in defence. But I try to show attitude, and that’s why things go well for me there. I grew up in the middle; I learned a lot there from many players.”

Valverde insists that Real Madrid are out for ‘revenge’ after their derby defeat. The days since the match have been ‘very tough’ and ‘very upsetting.’

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