Valverde urges Madrid to 'work at maximum' after late Rayo win
Real Madrid's Uruguayan midfielder calls for improvement despite dramatic victory, emphasizing the need for control and more goals as Los Blancos look ahead.
Real Madrid’s second captain has called for continued improvement despite their dramatic late victory against Rayo Vallecano.
Bouncing back
Fede Valverde was in a reflective mood following Real Madrid’s last-gasp win over their Madrid neighbours at the weekend. The Uruguayan midfielder, speaking after the match, acknowledged the importance of responding positively after their Champions League disappointment.
“We were coming from a tough defeat that no one ever wants in the Champions League, a competition many of us want to win,” Valverde explained, emphasizing how crucial it was to change that image at the first opportunity.
Late drama not sustainable
While clearly pleased with the three points, Valverde wasn’t getting carried away with the nature of the victory. The 25-year-old showed his maturity by focusing on areas where Los Blancos need to improve rather than simply celebrating the result.
He pointed out that Madrid cannot always rely on opposition mistakes and need to take control of matches earlier rather than leaving it to the dying minutes:
- Need to improve attacking output
- Score more goals
- Control matches before the final whistle approaches
Squad depth proving vital
The midfielder was quick to praise the impact of substitutes who helped change the course of the game. In his view, the difference-makers coming off the bench demonstrated exactly what the team needs - everyone focused and working at 100%.
Looking ahead
With no midweek fixture on the horizon, Valverde emphasized the importance of using this time effectively. “There’s a need to work at maximum, be ready for whatever the gaffer wants,” he stated, highlighting that the squad should use this period to improve both physically and tactically.
The bread and butter of Madrid’s season is approaching its most crucial phase, and Valverde seems determined that the team should be fully prepared for the challenges ahead. For a squad with their ambitions, these next few weeks of preparation could be absolutely vital to their trophy hopes.