Real Madrid had an underwhelming run in the 2024/25 season, which ended with them ranking second in La Liga and lifting no major trophies.
This disappointing campaign prompted the dismissal of Carlo Ancelotti, followed by Real Madrid appointing Xabi Alonso as their new head coach at the end of May.
Alonso’s appointment as manager of Los Blancos came with a lot of expectations, especially after the Spaniard’s achievements with Bayer Leverkusen in the past seasons.
His arrival at Santiago Bernabeu also revises the roles of the squad, while new additions have also been brought in. Most players have responded well to Alonso’s management style so far after he made his managerial debut in Real Madrid’s Club World Cup opener.
Now, Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde has shared his take on Alonso, revealing the ‘important thing’ that the club legend provides him that helps with his abilities on the pitch.
What did Real Madrid’s Fede Valverde say about Xabi Alonso?
Valverde spoke (comments via Madrid Xtra) about the ‘confidence’ and ‘support’ he receives from Alonso while mentioning that ‘it’s an honor’ to be coached by him.
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“The important thing is that Xabi gives me a lot of confidence, a lot of support and he’s always there with me. He was constantly encouraging me when I missed the penalty. I stay with those things,” said Valverde.
“Xabi’s praise? It’s an honor. It’s beautiful to have your coach say those words about you. I’m happy, and this helps me to keep working and continue being an example for all my teammates and the team. Being an example of working, making an effort, always being available to do what the team, and especially the coach, wants. Receiving those words from a person like him, who is not only our coach but what he was as a footballer, is something very important & beautiful for me,” the Uruguayan star added.
🗣️ Fede Valverde: “Xabi’s praise? It’s an honor. It’s beautiful to have your coach say those words about you.
I’m happy, and this helps me to keep working and continue being an example for all my teammates and the team. Being an example of working, making an effort, always… pic.twitter.com/CRmtpGjn77
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) June 24, 2025
When asked what Alonso asks of him, Valverde responded,
“What Xabi asks of me? That I have a lot of control, patience, trying to attack the spaces and I continue to contribute with what I know.”
🗣️ Fede Valverde: “What Xabi asks of me? That I have a lot of control, patience, trying to attack the spaces and I continue to contribute with what I know.” pic.twitter.com/8uleP5Ttcj
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) June 24, 2025
Real Madrid are set to face RB Salzburg in their final group stage match on June 26 at Lincoln Financial Field, Pennsylvania.
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