Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde expressed the team's worries over their challenging situation in the Champions League, where they face a must-win game against Atalanta. "It’s tough. We’re not used to going through these moments. We’re used to being at the top, to facing this competition with more peace of mind. But it’s part of the process, we have to show it, get to the end of the year, and celebrate more titles," Valverde said at a press conference at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, where the match will take place.

Valverde Analyzes the Challenge Against Atalanta

The Uruguayan highlighted the importance of stepping up to change the situation. "We’re in a position that Madrid isn’t used to. The only way to turn things around is to go all out, show what we’ve been working on these days, and do it well. Be solid defensively, good in attack, and have the midfielders contributing both defensively and offensively. Atalanta might play man-to-man, which could work in our favor," he explained.

Valverde also acknowledged the individual quality of his teammates, which will be key to overcoming the challenges Atalanta presents. "They’re a team that will put us in difficulty because it’s tough to get the ball with their marking... but we have fast players with good feet, and we’re used to playing under pressure. We’re players made for these kinds of games, and we’re ready to play them," he said.

Valverde's Mentality and Team Focus

Despite being one of the players with the most minutes, Valverde emphasized his desire to keep playing. "I want to keep playing. You try to rest, eat well, recover for the next game, and be at your best. Two games ago, I made a mistake I’d never made before, and I couldn’t sleep. I’m one of the captains, I set an example, and what matters is working hard," he confessed.

The midfielder also spoke about how to overcome tough moments. "Mentally, it can be overwhelming. After Bilbao, I struggled to sleep and face the mistake. But the most important thing is to be ready. I told my wife, 'I might be mentally tired, and it’s tough for me.' She told me to keep going, and that’s what I did. For me, that’s what matters. We’re defending the best shield in the world, and it’s a privilege," he added.

Valverde on Vinícius’ Return and Criticism

Valverde also discussed the return of Vinícius Jr. from injury, highlighting the importance of his comeback to the team. "It’s always good when players return from injury. It’s a pleasure to have Vini back, contributing everything he knows to the team. It’s a satisfaction to play with him. Whether he plays or not is up to the coach," he said.

Finally, the Uruguayan talked about the criticism the team faces: "It’s part of the job. Sometimes you put us on a pedestal, and that’s nice for some; other times things don’t go well, and it could be our worst day. We have to know how to deal with that and move forward. Especially for the people around us," he concluded.