Valverde – Foto: Cesar Ortiz Gonzalez / Shutterstock.com
Uruguayan midfielder Federico Valverde, a key figure at Real Madrid, sparked controversy by stating in a press conference that he was not born to play right-back, a position he filled due to injuries to Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold. The comment came before the 5-0 Champions League win against Kairat in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. Valverde stayed on the bench during the match, fueling speculation of a rift with coach Xabi Alonso. The episode highlights challenges in managing a star-studded squad under Alonso’s new leadership.
Valverde, versatile across roles like winger and midfielder, noted discomfort with defensive duties but took pride in past contributions, including a Champions League title. His absence from the team’s warm-up, reported by Spanish outlets Marca and As, intensified talk of locker-room tension. Alonso, post-match, downplayed the issue, citing planned squad rotation due to long-distance travel.
📣 Cama-¡GOL! pic.twitter.com/zfcbvBmJHI
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) October 1, 2025
Background of Valverde’s statement
Valverde’s comment emerged during a press conference alongside Alonso, initially signaling his expected start. He recalled improvised roles in key wins but admitted technical limitations in defending. The right-back position, short on natural options, has forced tactical adjustments, with Valverde as a viable stand-in due to his adaptability.
This incident reflects Real Madrid’s transitional phase under Alonso in the 2025/26 season. The coach, known for flexible tactics from his Bayer Leverkusen tenure, faces the task of integrating stars like Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. while managing defensive injuries. Valverde, with over 250 appearances, contributed 15 goals and 20 assists last season, underscoring his tactical value.
Twitter response to media reports
Valverde took to Twitter to counter reports claiming he refused to play right-back. In a detailed post, he acknowledged a dip in form but firmly denied any refusal, emphasizing his history of playing injured without complaint. He reaffirmed his bond with Alonso and willingness to play anywhere, pledging loyalty to the club.
The post, shared hours after the game, gained traction in Spain and Uruguay. Valverde stressed private discussions with Alonso about his preferred role but prioritized the team’s needs, aiming to quell rumors of internal strife following the convincing Champions League victory.
Criticism of Xabi Alonso’s decision
Journalist Roberto Gómez, on the program La Tribu, criticized Alonso’s choice to bench Valverde, linking it directly to the press conference remarks. Gómez highlighted Valverde’s inconsistent positioning—shifting between right-back, midfield, and bench—as a factor in his recent struggles. He called the move harsh for a team captain and key player.
Spanish media, including Mundo Deportivo, noted “sparks” in Alonso’s locker room, comparing the situation to tensions with Vinicius Jr. over substitutions. Alonso defended the rotation as necessary for a packed schedule, including a 14,000-kilometer trip to Kazakhstan. The criticism reflects early pressures in his Real Madrid tenure post-Ancelotti.
Valverde’s versatile history
Valverde joined Real Madrid in 2016 from Deportivo La Coruña, rising from prospect to mainstay. Under Zidane, he played right-winger in the 2022 Champions League triumph, scoring crucial goals. With Ancelotti, he anchored midfield, featuring in 90% of last season’s matches.
- Positional contributions: Scored 5 goals as a makeshift right-back in 2023/24.
- Leadership: Captained the side in veterans’ absence, with 12 assists in midfield.
- Tactical flexibility: Played 20 matches as a winger, aiding rapid counterattacks.
This versatility earned praise but led to fatigue, with 3,500 minutes played last season. Alonso aims to balance this with youth prospects like Raúl Asencio in defense.
Right-back alternatives
With Carvajal and Alexander-Arnold sidelined, Real Madrid tests right-back options. Raúl Asencio, a 20-year-old academy defender, debuted in the role against Kairat, excelling in aerial duels. Lucas Vázquez, a veteran, is another option but faces criticism for limited attacking output.
Alonso eyes Castilla’s David Jiménez to ease Valverde’s burden. The team averages 15 successful crosses per game but struggles defensively in transitions. January signings are planned, targeting hybrid profiles like Valverde.
Team performance implications
The 5-0 win over Kairat, led by Mbappé’s hat-trick, eased immediate pressure but exposed defensive gaps. Real Madrid leads their Champions League group with 7 points but falters in LaLiga, with a recent 2-5 loss to Atlético. Valverde, with an 85% pass accuracy, is key for upcoming clashes against Barcelona and Liverpool.
The incident underscores the need for internal dialogue, with Alonso holding feedback sessions. The squad, valued at €1.2 billion, hinges on unity for multiple titles this season.
