Fede Valverde spoke to the press in the media room at the Gewiss Stadium on the eve of Atalanta vs. Real Madrid on Champions League matchday six (Tuesday, 9:00pm CET): “We're coming into this in a situation we're not overly used to. The only way to turn things around after our start this year is to go out and give it our best. We want to show what we've been working on and do a good job. We have to be strong defensively and going forward and we midfielders have to contribute at both ends of the pitch. Atalanta might choose to man mark, and that suits us because of the players we have."

“We're not used to being in this position. We're normally up towards the top and approach this competition in a more relaxed manner. But that's part of football and the process. We have to work hard and then show what we're doing. We have to keep our feet on the ground. Despite having won so much with this club, we have to be careful."

The Athletic Club clash
“It did me good to improve on an individual level. Atalanta are a team who make it hard for you with their man marking, it's not easy to get on the ball. But we have so many quick players, and guys who are fantastic at breaking the press. We're players who are built for these types of games."

Conversations with Kroos
“We haven't spoken too much. All the advice he's given me over the years is more than enough. I can't ask him for tips as a full-back. I will give my best wherever the coach needs me. I'd love to play every game as a number 10. I made a mistake the other day but football is a process and these things happen. The important thing is to work hard and to come through the difficult spells always."
“That's part of the work we have to do. Sometimes, things don't go as planned and that's part and parcel of the job. It's not easy, but we have to be able to handle these periods and come through them. First and foremost for the people around us."