Federico Valverde has revealed Real Madrid held a series of "rare" crisis talks after their 5-2 derby humiliation against Atletico Madrid. The midfielder slammed his teammates' attitude as Xabi Alonso's men were overpowered in the second half of the encounter despite going in level at half-time with a 2-2 scoreline.
Madrid look to rebound
The match at the Metropolitano was a brutal reality check, ending Real Madrid’s perfect start to the new La Liga season. Despite dominating possession, Alonso’s side were defensively dismantled and clinically punished by their city rivals. Goals from Kylian Mbappe and Arda Guler turned out to be mere consolations in their first defeat of the campaign. The loss was doubly impactful, as it saw Madrid surrender the top spot in the table, falling one point behind league leaders and arch-rivals Barcelona.
Speaking in a press conference ahead of their Champions League match against Kairat Almaty, Uruguayan midfielder Valverde gave a stark assessment of the mood inside the dressing room after their derby humiliation on Saturday.
AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'Rare' crisis talks held after derby humbling
"They were two very tough days, very upset by the defeat," he told reporters on Monday. "We talked a lot; since I've been at Madrid, that's rarely happened, so many conversations. We have to change as quickly as possible. We emphasized the attitude on the pitch. Also with the coach, there were many conversations. We have to change as quickly as possible. We emphasized the attitude on the pitch. Also with the coach, there were many conversations. [On Tuesday], the first game, to change all that."
'Attitude is non-negotiable' – Valverde's damning assessment
The midfielder was particularly critical of the team's mentality at the Metropolitano, stating that a lack of application was unacceptable. "These are games where you don't even need to shout in the locker room to get motivated. These things can't happen, not at Madrid or anywhere else. You have to motivate yourself with any game, especially in a derby. We can fail in many ways, but attitude is non-negotiable. It's the first step to show that we want to win," Valverde insisted.
He specifically pointed to the start of the second half, adding: "We came out as if a draw would do the trick. We have to change that, starting with this game. As a key player for this team, we have to move on from that moment and take this game as an opportunity to grow."
Manager Alonso sought to broaden the analysis, stating the defeat was not solely down to mentality. "It wasn't just attitude. It was also rhythm, tactical aspects, aspects of the game," the coach explained.
Valverde 'frustrated' with personal form
On a personal level, Valverde admitted that he has not been at his best in recent games and is determined to improve. "I'm a little frustrated. I'm aware of how I'm playing; I'm the first to know when things aren't going my way," he said. "Now it's much harder for me to feel comfortable on the pitch. I'll keep working. As captain, I'll continue to lead the group and stand up for myself when I play."
