Valverde lets rip: 'We've swallowed a lot of rubbish'
Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde opens up on the squad's mentality shift, tough times as captain, and Champions League ambitions after recent upturn in form.
The Uruguayan midfielder has found his voice and his form after some difficult months at the Santiago Bernabéu, speaking candidly after Real Madrid’s victory against Real Sociedad.
Valverde’s revival under Arbeloa
If anyone’s benefited from Álvaro Arbeloa’s arrival in the Madrid dressing room, it’s Fede Valverde. The Spanish coach has helped the midfielder rediscover his smile and rightful place in the heart of Madrid’s engine room. With Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal returning from injury, the Uruguayan can now get back to playing in his natural position.
Mental transformation
When asked about the team’s improved spirits, Valverde didn’t mince his words: “We’ve swallowed a lot of rubbish,” he admitted, suggesting the criticism has actually helped the squad grow stronger.
The midfielder believes those tough times were deserved and necessary for development:
- The team needed to “mature as players”
- They hadn’t won anything last season or so far this campaign
- Players needed to “change things that weren’t working”
Unity in the ranks
Valverde insists the dressing room has always been united, but acknowledges that winning creates a better atmosphere in training. With 25 players all fighting for just 11 starting spots (plus five substitutes), there will always be some disappointment, but recent positive results have helped maintain harmony.
When squad rotation is working and substitutes are making meaningful contributions, it creates a virtuous cycle that benefits everyone.
Champions League ambitions
Asked if Madrid can win the Champions League, Valverde responded with trademark Real Madrid confidence: “We are Real Madrid, we always have to go for all the titles. If I said no, it would be shameful on my part.”
He emphasized the responsibility that comes with wearing the famous white shirt:
- Players must be “100% focused on football”
- Training at maximum intensity is non-negotiable
- The club “deserves” total commitment to winning all competitions
Captain’s burden
Valverde has found his first season with increased captaincy responsibilities challenging. He takes personal responsibility when things go wrong, describing how he analyzes matches at home looking for ways to improve team attitudes and performances.
Even when other players are being whistled by fans, Valverde feels it’s his duty as a leader to remain strong and support his teammates through difficult periods.