Jun 28, 2024, 10:15 ET
The captain of the Uruguayan National Team, Federico Valverderesponded to some of the criticism he received after his performance in the first match of the America Cupand recognized that He didn’t like it when coach Marcelo Bielsa took him off the field against Panama.
“I try to give my best in every game and what I have learned at Real Madrid with different players. I’m always at a point where I either play well or I’m criticized, but I’m used to that. I know that there are times when I have to improve and I am the first to be self-critical, but I know that today I played a great game like the whole team,” said Valverde in the mixed zone, after the 5-0 win against Bolivia.
He added: “It was incredible to see the Uruguay fans celebrating, singing, enjoying the moment. I am equally happy for the teamwork, for the effort that we make with the coach, because we work hard, and that is part of the plan that we are carrying out and that has us excited.”
Valverde was asked about his physical form and whether he is feeling tired after the long season he spent at his club Real Madrid. In his response, he acknowledged that he came out angry when Bielsa ordered the substitution of him in the game against Panama.
“Obviously you have to respect the changes that the coach makes, but as a player I like to play all the time and there are times when I come out a little angry and that’s normal. It is something that is part of a player who wants to always be available to the team, but we have to be aware that there are high-quality players out there who want to get in,” he concluded.
