"Running just to run doesn't work": Valverde's challenges for the new season

After his good performance, "Pajarito" said he was "with great enthusiasm and desire, as always", after his game and made a self-criticism when talking about his game and what the merengue coach, Zinedine Zidane, asks of him.

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His goal opened the scoring and came after his recovery. “A lot of times the coach tells me that when he steals or drives, he gets to the area. It was my turn to score and it is a beautiful happiness, he enjoys himself a lot. He gives you motivation to grow. He talks about the work we do pressing", he told Real Madrid Conecta, a Real Madrid Television program.

Valverde also spoke of his physical display when asked if he never got tired of running. "Midfielders are part of that," he said. “I like to leave everything on the field. My role is to run as much as I can, my desire is to run until I can't anymore. Until my legs burst I'm going to keep running, and if I can score, much better".

AFP

In any case, he indicated that he has aspects to improve, such as the effectiveness of the passes. “I am correcting that as I grow as a footballer”, he commented. “You have to improve and work, that facet is one of those that I have to improve. Running for running is useless. If you can do passing a ball well in addition to running, it helps personally."

Regarding what Zidane asks of him, he recounted the DT's order: "Let me cheer up." to Zidane because it speaks to you for the good", he added.

“Today, it is not enough to leave the strikers alone up front, we have to help”, added the Uruguayan. “Midfielders must be part of everything when it comes to attacking and defending. If we help with goals it is welcome, our job is to contribute our grain of sand".

EFE

The 22-year-old midfielder also told what it is like to play with midfielders like Kroos, Casemiro and Modric, with whom he has already made more than 70 appearances. "They give me a lot," he said. “The rivalry within the team is very nice. We compete, but there is that good vibe that makes you grow. When you play, they are there to give you support and good advice. That they advise me makes me grow a lot and fills me with pride and happiness that people who have won so much give me advice and help me".

Valverde added that in the Real Madrid squad "there is plenty of quality" because "there are many players who have won everything". “That is exemplary. For the youngsters, seeing them train hard makes you more motivated. The union we have... When it's your turn to play, everyone is there to support you. We all have to shoot for the same side with the same objective: to win many titles”.

Birdie's personal life

The footballer also spoke about his private life and the changes that he has had in his family after becoming a father.

“When a goal is scored, friends appear…”, he said after his goal against Betis. “But I always stay with my relatives, the people around me. They are the ones who are always there to help you, advise you."

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He added that after his goal he made several celebrations. “I don't mark many, so when I do, I dedicate it to many people. Especially for my wife, my son, my father and my mother. I also made a D for my brother because it was his birthday."

When asked if his son already recognizes him when he sees him, he replied: “Yes, well… When I come home he is always very happy and that fills a father with happiness. See the image that my wife sent me looking at the Ipad... I don't think it's 90 minutes, but I was just looking and I was very happy."

Pajarito said that he is “very calm”. “My life hasn't changed much. Happiness for giving everything to my son. They are crazy with him, I have gone into the background but the important thing is that he is well.

Ander Gillinea / AFP

Real Madrid will play again this Wednesday (4:30 p.m.) for La Liga against Valladolid at home at the Alfredo di Stéfano, the venue where the subsidiary team plays and which is used by the first team for closed-door matches.

"It brings back nice memories," Valverde said of playing on that stage. “A Madrid player should be happy just coming to train. The team is excited to return to Di Stéfano."

"The joy is over and we have to think about looking for another victory on Wednesday," added the Uruguayan.