Federico Valverde emphasized the need to be relentless and persistent when Real Madrid take on Liverpool in the Champions League final at Stade de France on Saturday night. In an interview with AS, Valverde analysed his opponent and his growth into a key player for Los Blancos.
When asked what effect would not winning the Premier League have on Liverpool coming into the Champions League final, Valverde did not want to underestimate them.
“I think it has nothing to do with it. A Champions League final is unique, it doesn’t compare to anything else. They’re going to have the strength for the final and we’ll have to be focused, concentrated and give our best. Even if we are tired, we have to keep trying, keep fighting.”
Valverde has been a mainstay in the Madrid team in the knockout stage, playing all but four minutes of their last five Champions League games. He pointed to being disciplined as the key to regaining his place.
“I’m young and I want to play regularly, if it doesn’t happen, you have a hard time. But that’s when you need to settle down, work harder, train better, rest better, eat better, and set the goal of getting back into the eleven. That’s the bottom line.”
Valverde refused to let the breakdown of Kylian Mbappé’s transfer to Real Madrid get in the way of the team’s preparation for the final.
“Mbappé is spectacular, but we are only thinking about the final. You don’t play in one every day.”
Valverde is willing to risk everything to get his hands on a first Champions League title: “It’s a unique trophy for any player in the world. I’m willing to sacrifice many things. Except my son… but maybe even my wife!”
