Uruguayan football manager Marcelo Bielsa "sees football differently," and with him, "you work a lot more" and "he kills you physically," says Real Madrid player Federico Valverde.

In a lengthy interview with France Football, the Uruguayan international praised the current Celeste national team coach, along with other coaches he has had, and reflected on his personal growth throughout his career. "With him (Bielsa), you work a lot more. Physically, he kills you. And mentally too (...) But in the end, it pays off during the matches," explained the 26-year-old player.

"That desire to press, to do everything intensely, that craziness that mentally drains you but pays off on game day and gives you satisfaction," he added. Valverde summed it up by saying, "Everything that comes out of Bielsa's mouth is worth learning." He also didn't hold back in praising the two coaches he's spent the most time with at Real Madrid, Zinedine Zidane and Carlo Ancelotti, noting that he doesn't see many differences between them.

"They both have the same way of viewing football, the same way of talking to us and sharing their plans. The same level of demand too," he said. "They know each player inside out. Plus, they always bring positive vibes."

At this peak moment in his career—with three La Liga titles, one Uruguayan championship, two Champions League titles, and more—Valverde says he'd like to improve "on how to attack space," as well as "staying calm and clear-headed." "It's absolutely necessary for me to keep my intensity, my desire to give it my all, the Uruguayan way, but also show calmness and mental clarity," he emphasized.

Regarding the Ballon d'Or, which will be awarded in Paris on the 28th, he said he'd be "really happy" if he finishes in the top 15, but since he always aims to "improve," he'd love to be in the top 10 next year, and keep climbing. "You’ve always got to aim high, year after year. If not, you get stuck and stop growing."