Midfielder ready to fill in at right-back with Carvajal and Alexander-Arnold sidelined
Federico Valverde has urged Real Madrid to show a reaction when they face Kairat Almaty in the Champions League on Tuesday, after Los Blancos collapsed to a heavy defeat in the Madrid derby at the weekend.
Xabi Alonso’s side were beaten 5-2 at the Metropolitano on Saturday, the most lopsided scoreline in the Madrid derby in eight years, but they can quickly get back to winning ways with the trip to Kazakhstan.
“It was a huge blow, but we’ve talked a lot,” said Valverde. “We had many conversations that hadn’t happened very often since I’ve been at Madrid.
“We put a lot of emphasis on focus and attitude on the pitch. Tomorrow is the first game to change that.”
The midfielder also reflected on his own form under Alonso so far, conceding he has struggled after a bright start in the Club World Cup.
“I’m frustrated,” said Valverde. “I’m aware of how I’m playing. Players realise when they’re having a bad game. They’re the first to do so.
“I had a very good start with the new coaching staff, but then in these seven games, it’s been much more difficult for me. I’ll keep working, and as one of the captains, I’ll keep giving my all, both inside and out,” said Valverde.
Madrid were hit with a serious injury blow in the derby after right-back Carvajal went off in the second half. The club have now confirmed the defender will be sidelined for some time with a calf injury, and while they did not provide a recovery timeline, sources suggest he could be out for up to a month.
With new signing Trent Alexander-Arnold also sidelined with a hamstring injury, there is no specialist right-back at Alonso’s disposal and Valverde might be one of the players the coach will call on to put in a shift there. The Uruguay international has played there in the past, most recently in the Club World Cup last summer.
“I wasn’t born or raised to play full-back,” said Valverde. “It was an emergency, and being able to do it well filled me with pride, but I always doubted that it was a bit of luck or something spontaneous.”
“I don’t feel comfortable because I didn’t grow up in that position, because I don’t have the ability to close down in defense.
“I’ve always made it clear that I’ve played in midfield my whole life. But I’m available to do whatever the coach wants. I’ve never refused to play in other positions and I’ve always said I was going to give my best.”
