Federico Valverde talks up Kylian Mbappe after hat-trick in Real Sociedad victory – “We have to enjoy him”
Real Madrid rose to the top of the La Liga table on Wednesday after recording a 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad at the Bernabeu. Kylian Mbappe (x3) and Vinicius Junior got the goals for Jose Mourinho’s side, who have started the new campaign with back-to-back wins.
It was not a vintage performance from Real Madrid – as Mourinho himself made clear after the match – but in the end, they did more than enough. As per Diario AS, captain Federico Valverde spoke to RMTV to dissect proceedings at the Bernabeu, and on the whole, he was happy as the squad’s leader.
“I saw the team switched on, with a lot of desire. We lacked patience when we scored the first goal, to have the ball and hold on to the result. The talk at half-time did us good and the second half was spectacular. (At half time) we emphasised the pressure. We adjusted it and in the second half we were much more comfortable.”
Valverde also spoke glowingly on Mbappe. He set up the Frenchman for his opening goal of the night, and he is clear that he and his teammates must continue to feed him chances, as that is how Real Madrid will score a lot of goals.
“We have to enjoy Mbappé. We have to give him a thousand balls so that he scores a lot of goals, is comfortable and feels happy. What he has done today he has done throughout the year.”
Valverde reflects on first Bernabeu match as permanent captain
Valverde was also asked about the experience of playing his first match in front of the home Bernabeu crowd since being appointed as Real Madrid first captain following Dani Carvajal’s departure earlier in the summer.
“It’s incredible, it’s been a day to remember. I have my family here and they have been very excited. But the important thing was to win and we did it. All the players were looking forward to playing here again. We were able to give the fans a victory and that’s what matters.”
