Real Madrid star Federico Valverde appeared at a press conference to talk about tomorrow's match against Kairat Almaty in the second round of the Champions League group stage.

Valverde said: "From a football perspective, we will try to change what happened in the previous match against Atlético Madrid, come out with a new spirit, win, and take some revenge as soon as possible to change the dynamics of the previous match. The reception in the city was wonderful. Many Real Madrid fans were waiting for us, and it was crazy."

He added: "In the end, it was a very difficult two days. From a football perspective, we are really upset about what happened in the derby match; the defeat was a painful blow for us. We talked a lot and exchanged ideas. Since I have been at Real Madrid, this rarely happens: we gathered together to talk and try to change the dynamics of the group. We had many conversations with the coaching staff, and tomorrow is the first match that will change all of that."

He continued: "We have played many matches, but we did not have enough time to work on what the new coach wants. We have to do our best to solve these problems as quickly as possible. We have suffered two defeats, and they were very harsh: against Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup and the defeat yesterday."

He stressed: "These things are part of football, but we as Real Madrid players have to try to prevent that from happening. We need to come out with a different approach and be as united as possible on and off the pitch so that things go in the right direction and it becomes a good year."

He said: "I feel a bit frustrated. I am fully aware of my playing style; I am the first to know when things are not going as I want. Players immediately realize if they are performing poorly in matches. It’s true that I started well in the new project at the World Cup; I think I played well there. Now, feeling comfortable on the pitch is much harder; I will keep working. As a leader, I will continue to lead the team and defend myself while playing. I will keep doing my best and moving forward."

Regarding his reluctance to play as a right-back: "You always hear or see the criticism, and it’s nice to receive praise. I am not a full-back; I did not grow up playing in this position, but I felt proud that I was able to perform well. However, I have always wondered if those matches were just luck or spontaneous nights. I felt comfortable in the full-back position; we won a lot when I played as a winger; we won the Champions League while I was there, and again while I was in the midfield. I am always available; I learn the new position when needed. I do not feel comfortable because I did not grow up playing there; I struggle with some things, like closing down defensively, but I try to show my stability, and that’s why things are going well for me there. I grew up in the midfield; I learned a lot there from many players, but I have done well in the full-back position, and I am ready when the coach needs me."

He continued: "Did I refuse to play at right-back? I have always said that I am available for the team, I have never refused to play in any position; I always do my best wherever I am, with Carlo Ancelotti, with Zidane, and with Xavi, I have always expressed my opinion; any starting player must seize this opportunity as if it were the last. I have never refused; it is rare for something like this to happen. It is an honor for me to play for Real Madrid, that is clear. You can ask my teammates or the coach. I am always present for the team; I will always die for Real Madrid."

About preparing for tomorrow's match: "We did not train tactically for this match; those who played less against Atlético trained for that, we watched many videos. But there were more important things: growing as a team, focusing on ourselves, and that came first."

He continued about the fans in Kazakhstan: "I have never had the chance to play here before, and it felt strange to me. It was very late when we arrived yesterday, and upon leaving the airport and seeing all these people waiting for us... it is something to be proud of. We must appreciate it. These things change football. It is an honor for me to play here. We strive to win for these fans."

He concluded: "The team's behavior in the derby? In such matches, you don’t even need to shout in the locker room to motivate yourself; these things do not happen, neither in Madrid nor anywhere else; you have to motivate yourself in any match, especially in the derby. We may fail in many things, but in behavior, we cannot; it is the first step to showing our desire to win. In the first minutes of the second half, we entered the match as if a draw would suffice. We need to change that, starting from this match. As key players in this team, we need to move past that moment and consider this match an opportunity for growth.