After taking three important points in Pamplona vs Osasuna, Madridistas spoke for the media, expressing their happiness and analyzing the team’s performance. First, it was Valverde who spoke. The Uruguayan scored the 1st goal but also played a great game, winning the Player of the Match award at the end. Then it was Nacho who spoke on the importance of this victory and finally the youngster Alvaro Rodriguez who made a great debut with the senior team. Despite playing only a few minutes he managed to link up very well with the teammates and assisted Asensio the 2nd goal (having also assisted in Vini’s goal which was ruled offside after VAR check).
Valverde, analyzed the victory stating: "We knew it was a tough game. They always fight until the end on their home turf. They always look for long balls and sometimes it's hard to find space. As the minutes went by, the fatigue of the numerous games we've played this season also began to take their toll. I think the goal I scored opened up the game and that's when we found the spaces a lot more. We are happy with all the work from our teammates and for the humility they displayed in the match. We knew it was very difficult and we knew how to suffer together”.
He added: "I've been told that I can reach 20 goals, I think they've gone too far with that number though. I try to do my best and obviously scoring is a great boost for your morale. Playing on the outside you always have a very close marker and I try to play one-on-one, but it's not my strong point.
Position preference: "Being in the middle I can get closer to the area, sometimes the midfielders don't follow you one hundred per cent. I have to find my spaces and take advantage of them, like I did for the goal. That's what the coach asks me to do”.
Praise for the Boss: “I’d like to thank Ancelotti for that pressure he’s put on me, even if it’s just a little game between the two of us. In my mind, it plays a part in my decision-making. I would often find other options to pass because I didn’t have the confidence to go for goal. Now, the first thing I do is look towards goal. I know 80% can find the back of the net so I definitely look to score more these days”.
Nacho expressed himself in the following terms: “It was a tough game. We knew it would be like this at a tough place to come, but we’ve taken three big points to stay in the fight. I was shown a yellow card for dissent, silly things that I should have avoided. Sometimes the tension of the match gets to you”.
Moi and Vini Jr.: “As I said before, it’s in the heat of the moment. They squared up to each other a bit and they were both shown yellow cards. These things happen in a tight game”.
Then, the academy graduate Rodriguez, who came off the bench with 88 minutes gone and laid on the assist for Asensio to net our team's second goal on the night, expressed his delight: "I'm thrilled to be getting minutes under my belt for my beloved team. I work hard day in day out so it pays off like this. I'll keep working towards my goals. I'm just playing my game, it came off today and I'm really happy. They asked me to fight for every ball, hold onto it and bring some fresh legs to the team".
He continued: “It's a great group, they've made me feel very welcome. I'm getting on with everyone so well and I'm really grateful for their support. Camavinga came over and gave me a couple of playful digs in the stomach. Valverde told me he was happy for me too, everyone's congratulated me. I notice the humility they have despite being in such a big club, all the work they do every day and the competitiveness they have".
Joy for his parents: "I'm immensely happy that my parents are here. They are the most important thing in my life and sharing moments like this with them brings me great happiness".
South American U-20 Championship with Uruguay: "I feel very good with my game. Playing with Uruguay has really helped me to find an alternative way to play. I've come here, have felt very good and I think I've proved it".
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