The calm begin to the 2025–26 season for Actual Madrid was disrupted by a heavy 5–2 defeat in opposition to Atletico Madrid in La Liga. That consequence set off alarm bells and raised questions, which not even a convincing win over Kairat Almaty within the UEFA Champions League may silence. One of many central speaking factors includes Federico Valverde and Xabi Alonso.
The Uruguayan midfielder got here underneath the highlight this week after stating through the pre-match press convention in Kazakhstan: “I wasn’t born to play right-back.” That remark brought on a stir at Actual Madrid, particularly in a context the place the workforce was lacking its two important choices at that place (Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal), and Valverde was being thought of as a possible answer.
The comment was interpreted as a message to Xabi Alonso, suggesting that the participant was unwilling to play as a right-back. In truth, in opposition to Kairat Almaty, it was Raul Asencio who began in that function, whereas Federico remained on the bench and didn’t play a single minute.
All these circumstances added as much as gasoline a significant controversy throughout the Spanish aspect, with rising hypothesis about inside battle between Xabi Alonso and Valverde—rumors that might have an effect on the workforce’s close to future. This example compelled the Uruguayan worldwide to publicly tackle the problem.
What did Valverde say?
On Wednesday, Federico Valverde issued an announcement on his official X account relating to the latest controversy. “I’ve learn a number of articles damaging my picture. I do know I’ve had dangerous video games, I’m conscious. I don’t conceal and I resist it. I’m actually unhappy,” he started.
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“Individuals can say many issues about me, however by no means can they are saying that I refuse to play. I’ve given all the pieces and extra for this membership, I’ve performed fractured, injured, and I’ve by no means complained or requested for relaxation,” Fede added, denying rumors that he had refused to play as a right-back.
On hypothesis about potential friction with Xabi Alonso, Valverde was clear. “I’ve relationship with the coach, which supplies me the arrogance to inform him what place I choose on the sector, however I’ve at all times, at all times made it clear that I’m obtainable to play anyplace, on any journey, and in each match,” the 27-year-old midfielder mentioned.
Lastly, Federico shared a message of dedication relating to his place at Actual Madrid: “I’ve given my soul to this membership and I’ll proceed to take action, even when typically it’s not sufficient or I’m not taking part in the way in which I’d like. I swear on my satisfaction that I’ll by no means hand over and can combat to the top, taking part in wherever I’m wanted.”
The response from Actual Madrid gamers
Through the match in opposition to Kairat Almaty, Federico Valverde was visibly annoyed on the bench and through warmups. That led a few of his teammates, together with Jude Bellingham, to method him in an try and calm the state of affairs.
After the match, Fran Garcia spoke out, providing robust help for Valverde amid the criticism and his restricted taking part in time. “Figuring out Fede, I’m certain it bothers him. He at all times desires to be prepared for battle. We are able to at all times depend on him. If I needed to go to warfare with him, I’d go along with him, as a result of he provides all the pieces for us,” the defender informed Marca.
