Federico Valverde finally finds redemption against Pachuca after Al Hilal penalty setback – ‘I gave everything'
Federico Valverde has admitted he spent several difficult days dealing with guilt after missing a crucial penalty in Real Madrid's Club World Cup opener against Al-Hilal.
The Uruguayan midfielder had a chance to win the game in added time, but his miss meant Madrid had to settle for a draw. That failure weighed heavily on him until he found redemption by scoring in the 3-1 win over Pachuca.
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'After several days of being personally miserable because I couldn't give the team the win, I'm happy to contribute a goal,' Valverde told Real Madrid TV.
'I gave everything on the pitch, my energy, my hard work, and I'm just glad I could help us get the result this time.'
Valverde's goal brought visible relief and joy, not just for himself but for the team, which now edges closer to qualification for the next round.
Adjusting to new demands under Alonso
The Real Madrid midfielder also touched on the challenges the squad has faced in adapting to new manager Xabi Alonso's ideas.
Federico Valverde was on the scoresheet against Pachuca. (Photo by)
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Valverde explained that Alonso has brought a tactical shift that requires midfielders like him to play differently.
'I'm trying to adapt to what the coach wants. It's a little different from what I did with Ancelotti as a winger,' he said.
'He doesn't want us midfielders dropping deep to collect the ball; he wants us to push forward more.'
Despite trying to execute those plans, Valverde feels there's always something that stops the team from fully applying the manager's vision.
'Something always happens that stops us from doing what the coach wants. Today, it was the red card. But even with that setback, we gave an incredible effort and that's something to be proud of.'
Valverde also revealed how much the penalty miss affected him. 'I've been upset these past few days. I took it very personally because I felt like I wasted the team's massive effort. But I'm very self-critical.
'I grow from mistakes, and if they want me to take penalties again, I will,' he concluded.
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