[Real Madrid](https://www.managingmadrid.com) put forward midfielder Fede Valverde to speak ahead of Tuesday night’s [Champions League](https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league) tie with Atalanta in Italy, as the midfielder described the club’s current position in the Champions League table by saying “it’s messed up, obviously. Because we are not used to going through these moments; we are always at the top. But we have to be calm, assume that it is part of soccer, of the process and trust in our work. Hopefully, at the end of the season we will enjoy titles. Despite winning so much, we must keep our feet on the ground.”
### **Valverde on the key to face Atalanta**
“We are in a situation we are not used to and the only way to change that is to go out on the field at our best, to show everything we have been working on these days. We need to be strong at the back and effective up front. We know that Atalanta can mark the man, but that can benefit us because of the players we have. Let’s think about that.”
### **Valverde on Atalanta’s similarities to Athletic Club**
“What happened at San Mames was very useful for me. To improve, to learn, so that a mistake like that doesn’t happen again. It will be a team that will put us in many difficulties and that will put men on top of us, but we have very fast and skillful people. We are players made for these matches.”
### **Valverde on speaking to Toni Kroos**
“No, no. We haven’t spoken much. Very little, or almost nothing. But I have all the advice he has given me over the years. I can’t screw him up much more. It’s my turn. And I can’t ask him for advice as a sideline... That would be too much! I want to be of service to the team, to give my best wherever I’m put and wherever I’m needed. Sometimes games don’t go my way... and in San Mamés I made a mistake that cost me the game, something that hadn’t happened to me in my whole career. It was hard to sleep that night, but that’s football. The important thing is to move on and show that, as one of the captains, I can be an example.”
### **Valverde on Ancelotti’s claim he received too much criticism**
“Well, it’s part of our job. Sometime you’ll put us on an altar and that’s nice... but when things don’t go well, it seems like the worst days of our lives. It’s not easy, but we have to live with it. We are an example for the children, so we must overcome these moments in the best way.”
### **Valverde on Vinícius’ fitness**
“It’s good to have injured players back and, for me, it’s a pleasure to have him around again, adding everything he adds: joy and soccer. Hunger. It’s a tremendous satisfaction and joy that he can be there tomorrow, although the starting line-up will be the coach’s decision.”
### **Valverde on how to defend better**
“The line-ups are the coach’s choice. He is the person who chooses the team. It’s up to us to give our best, whatever the formation. We have to do our bit. As a midfielder, I like to play with strikers who carry the ball forward a lot and less backwards. As midfielders, we want them to look at the opponent’s goal and less at defending.”
### **Valverde on his last rest coming in May and whether he gets tired**
“No! I want to keep playing. You try to rest and eat well, to be recovered the next day. Of course, sometimes your head can explode. After San Mames, for example, I had a hard time sleeping, because I’m not used to living these moments. I told my wife that I might be a bit tired psychologically and she told me that there’s no need to sink, that I’m a captain and I have to put my chest into all of this. My priority is for the team to see that, no matter how many mistakes there are, we always have to move forward. I’m proud to wear this shirt, to defend the best team in the world.”
### **Valverde on how he keeps playing**
“To enjoy defending this crest, to play for these fans. For me it’s a tremendous source of pride. Of course there are days when I’m tired, but I want my children to see everything I’ve contributed to Real Madrid on the day I retire. I want my parents to be proud. I always want to play.”