Reports of unrest around Uruguayan midfielder Federico Valverde at Real Madrid have been circulating in the media.
Xabi Alonso has dismissed the rumors that Valverde refused to play as a right-back. The Real Madrid coach emphasized that no player in the squad has ever declined to play outside their preferred position.
The situation originated last Monday ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League clash against FC Kairat Almaty. Due to injuries to several defenders, questions arose about Valverde potentially playing at right-back. The midfielder reportedly said, “I was not born to play as a right-back.”
Alonso chose not to field him in the 5-0 victory the next day. Valverde’s body language during the match sparked further questions. According to media reports, he was seen keeping to himself during pre-match and halftime warm-ups and faced criticism from some fans for his behavior along the touchline.
As tensions around the situation grew, Valverde posted on social media the following day, denying that he refused to play at right-back: “I have always told the coach that I am ready to perform in any position.”
Recently, Alonso has also faced questions regarding his relationships with Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo. When asked if players influence his squad selections, the Real Madrid coach clarified at a Friday press conference that the decisions are entirely his.
“No player—Fede (Valverde), Rodrygo, or Vini (Vinícius)—has ever told me that they do not want to play in a certain position. That has never happened. Everyone wants to play, and when they don’t, they still want to be on the field,” Alonso said.
“But no player has ever told me they don’t want to play. Everyone’s attitude is positive. I make the decisions and decide what is best for the team. I wanted to make that clear.”
After winning the first seven matches of the season across all competitions, Real Madrid suffered a 5-2 defeat at Atlético Madrid in La Liga last Saturday. However, they bounced back in the Champions League against Kairat Almaty, scoring five goals, with striker Kylian Mbappé delivering a hat-trick in excellent form.
Looking to return to winning ways in La Liga, the Spanish giants will face Villarreal on Saturday.
