Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti wasted no time expressing his unwavering support for Federico Valverde following the team’s recent clash with Athletic Club.
Valverde, typically one of the most reliable players in Madrid’s lineup, found himself at the center of attention for an unusual and costly error during the match.
Real Madrid resumed their La Liga campaign with a trip to the Basque Country, where they faced off against Athletic Club at San Mamés. Unfortunately for the visitors, it was not the return they had hoped for, as they fell to a 2-1 defeat.
While Jude Bellingham managed to pull one back for Los Blancos with a late goal, his effort ultimately proved to be nothing more than a consolation as the full-time whistle blew.
The game’s decisive moment came shortly after Real Madrid had managed to draw level. Valverde, stationed deep in his own half, made an ill-advised decision to attempt dribbling out of a precarious situation.
The Uruguayan midfielder, known for his composure and tactical intelligence, uncharacteristically lost possession in a dangerous area.
His error was capitalized on by Gorka Guruzeta, who seized the opportunity, raced towards goal, and slotted the ball past Thibaut Courtois to secure the win for Athletic.
Following the match, Carlo Ancelotti faced the media and was inevitably asked about Valverde’s costly mistake. The Italian tactician, renowned for his experience and player management skills, didn’t shy away from addressing the situation.
He acknowledged that both Valverde and Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappé, who had his own disappointing evening after missing a penalty for the second time in a week, were understandably disheartened.
Despite the setback, Ancelotti was quick to defend Valverde and reaffirm his importance to the team. In his post-match comments, he described the midfielder as “untouchable,” highlighting the trust and belief he has in the 25-year-old.
Ancelotti’s show of support reflects his understanding of the pressures faced by top-level players and his commitment to shielding them from undue criticism.
The coach’s statement not only reassured Valverde but also reinforced the message that mistakes are part of the game, even for elite athletes.
By backing his player so publicly, Ancelotti emphasized the value of resilience and trust within the team, setting the stage for Valverde to bounce back stronger in the matches to come.
