Ahead of a huge European night, the Real Madrid captain speaks about unity, injuries, youth players and the challenge awaiting Manchester City.

JESUS ALVAREZ ORIHUELA

Champions League

Valverde sends warning before Real Madrid-Man City UCL showdown

Sergio López Calum Roche

Update: Mar 10th, 2026 10:25 EDT

On the eve of one of the season’s biggest games, Federico Valverde appeared before the media with the calm authority of a captain preparing for a defining night. The Real Madrid midfielder acknowledged that the team has not always defended collectively this season but insisted the squad is now focused and ready for the challenge ahead.

“This year there were times when the eleven of us weren’t defending together,” he admitted. “But now we’re in a good place, concentrated.”

Valverde reflected on his own role from two perspectives – physical and tactical. “With pain or without it, I always try to give everything,” he said, underlining the commitment that has defined his career in Madrid. On the field, he emphasized his willingness to adapt to the demands of the coaching staff.

“The coach wants me to move wide, receive the ball and combine with the fullback or the winger. Sometimes I’m asked to play more freely, score or provide assists. I try to adapt. For me, just being in the starting eleven is what matters most.”

The Uruguayan also joked when asked about academy players breaking into the first team. “They’re working unbelievably well… they run too much!” he said with a smile, praising their enthusiasm and highlighting the importance of attitude off the field.

“Thiago is playing and doing well, but I always stress that the most important thing is that they’re good people off the field.”

Confidence ahead of a huge European night

Valverde acknowledged the importance of the supporters ahead of the upcoming clash, stressing how much the atmosphere can influence the team’s performance.

“What’s coming is incredible – it’s the kind of game anyone loves to play,” he said. “We know how important the fans are, because with them everything becomes easier. We need them, and then it’s up to us to give our maximum.”

He also spoke about the absence of Kylian Mbappé, admitting the French forward’s importance while insisting the team must stay focused.

“He’s a very important player, but right now we’re concentrated only on this game. It’s crucial that everyone gives one hundred percent.”

Trust in the club’s medical staff

Asked about the possibility of players seeking a second medical opinion outside the club, Valverde was unequivocal in his response.

“Here I have everything – this is the best club in the world and there are the best people here,” he said. “I trust everyone at the club. I put my body in the hands of a physio here and leave the opinions to what he believes. I’m very calm and only thinking about City.”

The midfielder also stressed that unity inside the locker room remains strong despite difficult months earlier in the campaign.

“We’re giving everything to improve and make the fans proud,” he said. “From the first player to the last, and from the first member of the coaching staff to the last, we’re all pulling in the same direction.”

🚨🗣️ Fede Valverde on Antoine Semenyo: "All the City players are great, from their goalkeeper to striker."

"We need to pay attention to them all, but in my opinion, we need to focus on ourselves and what we're doing." pic.twitter.com/wbm6o09QWH
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) March 10, 2026

Respect for Manchester City

Valverde did not shy away from acknowledging the quality of the opponent awaiting Madrid.

“They’re players in great form who know exactly how they play and have world-class quality,” he said of Manchester City. “We have to be attentive to everyone.”

Reflecting on the previous meeting between the two teams – a 2–1 defeat – he stressed that Madrid has learned from the experience.

“That game slipped away from us because of our own mistakes. We’ve worked very hard and we don’t want the same thing to happen again.”

Determination inside the locker room

Recent results have helped lift the mood within the squad, Valverde explained, even if the performances have not always been perfect.

“Winning in Vigo gave us a different energy coming into this game,” he said. “We’re winning games, but not always playing our best football. Still, we needed that victory.”

He closed with a message that reflects his own approach to the sport.

“There are good moments and bad ones,” Valverde said. “But you always have to be ready to give everything. I want my teammates to feel proud to have Valverde – a teammate, a brother – out there with them.”