Real Madrid coach says players are happy to feature in any position for the team
There is no rift inside the Real Madrid squad and no player has refused to play out of position, manager Xabi Alonso has said.
Federico Valverde came under scrutiny this week after comments about not being “born to play right-back” were followed by his omission from Tuesday’s Champions League win over Kairat Almaty.
After the game, fans then heavily criticised him on social media for his apparent attitude on the touchline. The midfielder later released a statement reaffirming his commitment, stressing he is willing to feature in any role for the team.
Ahead of Saturday’s La Liga meeting with Villarreal, Alonso himself also moved to shut down the story.
“No player has ever said to me that they don’t want to play in a position,” Alonso said. “That hasn’t happened. Everyone wants to play, and when they don’t play, they’d like to be on the pitch.”
The issue comes after both of Madrid’s right-backs, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal, were ruled out for weeks through injury. Valverde has been asked to play there occasionally, but he would rather play in his natural position in midfield.
Against Kairat, it was Raul Asencio who started at right-back. It remains to be seen whether the 22-year-old will play there again at the weekend against Villareal.
Whether or not Valverde will be asked to play at right-back again will also remain a key point. Alonso said: “My players all have a good attitude, and I decide, and I have to choose what’s best for the team. I want to make that clear.”
