Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti wasted no time in expressing his support for Federico Valverde following a costly mistake during the team’s clash with Athletic Club.
The Spanish giants faced a challenging away match in the Basque Country, ultimately falling to a 2-1 defeat. Despite Jude Bellingham pulling one back late on, Real Madrid left San Mamés empty-handed.
Valverde’s misstep proves decisive
The turning point of the match came shortly after Real Madrid had equalized. Valverde, one of the team’s most reliable performers, attempted an unnecessary dribble deep in his own defensive zone. This decision backfired as he lost possession, paving the way for Gorka Guruzeta to capitalize and score the decisive goal past Thibaut Courtois.
It was an uncharacteristic error from the Uruguayan midfielder, whose consistency has been a hallmark of his play. The miscue came at a critical juncture, ultimately sealing the win for Athletic Club.
Ancelotti’s reassurance: “Fede is untouchable”
When asked about Valverde’s state of mind after the match, Ancelotti acknowledged the player’s disappointment but emphasized his faith in him. “Fede Valverde? He’s sad, like Mbappé. But Fede is untouchable,” the Italian tactician stated, referring also to Kylian Mbappé, who endured his own struggles elsewhere this week.
Ancelotti’s words underscore Valverde’s importance to the squad and his belief that one mistake does not overshadow the midfielder’s overall contribution. The message was clear: Real Madrid’s trust in Valverde remains unwavering despite the setback.
