Valverde: "We're excited, hungry to make the final and we'll fight to do just that"

Fede Valverde spoke to the press at the Allianz Arena on the eve of the meeting between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first leg (Tuesday, 9:00pm CEST). The midfielder explained: “Every game is difficult in this competition and every team deserves the utmost respect. Bayern have won many titles and they're a team like Madrid who fight to the end to get their hands on the trophy. We have to show them the same respect we showed Manchester City. We have to get the best out of our dressing room. We have great players with real quality and commitment, and they really want to win another trophy for Real Madrid."

“We're excited. It's the first time that I play against this team in the competition. I have faith and I'm eager to play. I'm happy for all I'm experiencing with this team. You have to appreciate every moment defending these colours and this jersey. Winning this competition is so valuable and it's a beautiful thing."

Seizing his moment
“I'm enjoying getting so much game time, starting games. It's beautiful to compete at Real Madrid, I love it and I try and take all I can from the coaching staff and my teammates. We have to make the most of our good form."

Great Real Madrid defenders 
“We have world class defenders who have gone through good and bad moments over several years at this club. They have been involved in Champions League finals, they are to be respected and we feel calm with them in the team. Then, we have to look at what we're up against and we have to have great respect for their forwards."

Champions' luck
“Luck is absolutely necessary in this competition, like we saw in the Champions League a couple of years ago, against Manchester City for instance. Logic says they should have knocked us out but we qualified having cleared two off the line. That's known as champions' luck, we have to take advantage of it and enjoy it. The further the ball is from our goal, the better, but you need a bit of luck at both ends of the pitch."

Confidence in the team
“I have absolutely confidence in my team. We have to respect our opposition and the club we're up against. We have real faith in the players here. The defenders, the midfielders and forwards. We're excited, hungry to make the final and we'll fight to do just that."

How has Ancelotti helped you?
“He's helped me with everything. He's been a fundamental piece of my development, he's got his ideas across so clearly, explained how I could improve as a player and as a person. That really helped me, it's opened my eyes so I don't close myself off into a single position. Sometimes I have to play out wide, that's where he wants me. I really appreciate him and I value my ability to adapt to playing how the coach wants."

Position in the centre of the park
“It depends who I'm playing alongside. I enjoy the double number five position because you get to be everywhere. I can get back to defend, burst into the box and look for quick transitions. I like to do it all to help the team. In this position, I'm further from the ball but I always try and help the full-back out. I also try and get into the box to score goals and it's always great to score and assist, get your stats up. You have to appreciate the game time, understand what the coach and your teammates need, and I'm perfectly happy with that."

What's it like playing with Kroos?
“I've grown up in the double pivot or double 5 position. That's where I started as a player and took my first steps as a professional. I love playing with Kroos because he's a superstar and an idol to me. I'm excited, proud and happy to get to share these moments with him, especially when the results go with it. I try and contribute wherever I can and the coaching staff decided to put me in alongside him and I enjoy it. Sometimes I play out on the right, far away from Toni, but I'm closer to Luka and I try and make the most of him for as long as he's at this club. I will learn from and admire them always."

Shootout against City
“I went to sleep that night with the regret of having not made my mark on Real Madrid, to have made the semis with my contribution, and in a penalty shootout, where I'm usually strong. But I enjoyed the win and I like it however it comes. Sometimes you have to leave your pride aside and admit you're not in a fit state. Fatigue really caught up with me and I told the coaching staff I couldn't take a penalty. I wouldn't like that to happen again, so I'll prepare myself mentally so I don't feel like that next time."

Musiala
“Stopping Musiala will be difficult, he's a great player. He's young, he's achieved a lot already despite his age. We have to respect him and I hope he continues this path, winning things and triumphing in football. I hope we can stop him and be stronger than Bayern. He's a player that's defining an era, not just at his club but in football in general."