Fede Valverde addressed the media in the build-up to the meeting with Manchester City (9pm CET) and had the following to say: "We'll have to play with our heads and our hearts. Your head plays an important role in terms of your nerves and the moments of calmness, whilst your heart is really influential and contributes greatly. It's what allows you to give your all for the 90 minutes, be focused and willing to give your best and concentrate on the game at all times".
"I always try to give my all for the team. I'm available to the coach and wherever he want me to give my all. I'm most comfortable playing in the middle because that's where I can show my qualities: be more attacking and bring my energy in defence. That's sometimes a bit lost out on the right, but I'm available to the coach and the team and will do my bit, whatever position it's in. If I can do my bit for the team, then that's great", he added.
The way the tie unfolds: "We're ready for every eventuality. We really struggled in Paris, and in the return leg, with the backing of our fans, we turned the tie around. It was totally different against Chelsea. We played really well and did a good job in the first leg. That really paid off because we were made to dig deep in the second leg, although we got through. Let's hope that we put in a good performance on Tuesday and that we achieve our objective of progressing in the second leg".
Improvement over course of season: "I've learned a great deal. You learn day in, day out and you're always improving with these teammates. At this club, you usually improve not just as a player but as a person. I started the season in the team and then lost my place. I had a dip in form due to injuries and that's sometimes a struggle and you have to dig deep. I displayed my commitment and worked really hard off the pitch to earn my place in the starting XI, which I've now got back. It's now a case of enjoying it and cementing my place with hard work and dedication. I hope I don't lose my place again".
Youngsters' role in the team: "We're at Madrid because we're able to deal with both the good and the not so good times. We have to be ready and mentally prepared too. You've got to prove you can bring energy to the team. We've got a lot of character and bring a lot to the team. We feed off the more experienced players and have to make the most of that and continue to improve as players because we have to improve a lot".
Playing styles: “He's the one who has to comment on these things because he's the Manchester City coach. We represent Madrid and defend this crest. We try to win every game and every competition we’re involved in. Manchester City are a very good side and a well-drilled team. Whether some people like a particular style or not isn't down for us to say. We're focused on winning every competition and every game with Real Madrid and then enjoy it as a whole club”.
Experience: “City are a great side and have been together for many years. They've got great understanding within the team and are clear on their game plan. They know about their positioning, the runs they need to make and what they have to do after losing possession. They're a very good side within world football and are always in the hunt in every competition they’re involved in. We’re ready to counter their qualities and show what we can do”.
Madrid’s history: “The history really does weigh on our shoulders, but as young players, we’re ready to face up to every situation. When you pull on a Madrid shirt, you want to win everything and fight for everything as if it were your final game and that’s part of Madrid’s glory and history. The club always gives its all in every competition and are always favourites to win”.
Odegaard: “Every player seeks or fights for what they want. He's a great player and a top guy. I shared a lot of times with him at Castilla and in the first team. He's a player who has all of the qualities to be a success wherever that may be and I wish him all the best”.
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