Valverde: "These victories make you stronger"
“When we don't have the ball, all 11 players are ready to help and run for each other,” explained the captain.
Valverde, who captained Real Madrid in the match against Villarreal, spoke to Realmadrid TV after our team's victory: "The important thing was to win and take all three points at this stadium, which is always very difficult against a tough opponent. We played very well in the first half, but we failed to convert our chances into goals and that sometimes hurts us when it comes to defending. In the second half, we were a bit more relaxed. The manager asked us to move the ball around more quickly, and we did that. Then, the opposition had to come out and look for the equaliser, and with more space, we improved a lot. We're taking the three points, which is what matters."
“We feel comfortable when we don't have the ball and also when we do. We're finding it easy. I think the most important thing is that when we don't have the ball, all eleven players are willing to help and run for each other. This benefits us when we attack, we feel more relaxed and have more space. We have to keep working on all this, which will make us a great team.”
Clean sheet
“I always say that having Courtois in goal makes everything easier. If they get to us, we know he's between the sticks and will always step up. As players, we have to try to minimise the number of chances they get, and I think that when we work well in defence, it's thanks to the forwards. They put in the effort so that we don't have to run as much and can win the ball back as high up the pitch as possible. This is down to everyone.”
The team's front line
“Any ball that comes their way, with space and facing the goal, they can create scoring opportunities. But I like to highlight their defensive work and how they helped today. Vini Jr., Mbappé, Mastantuono, Gonzalo, Brahim... they brought a lot to our defence and also enjoyed themselves in attack.”
Top 8 in the Champions League
“It motivates us. I see a lot of momentum in terms of morale. These victories strengthen you as a group. That energy that we sometimes lacked because we weren't getting results, we're getting now. Stay calm and go for the three points in Portugal so we can get into the top 8 and rest for a couple of games.”