Valverde: Courtois deserves man of the match award, we didn't execute what Mourinho asked of us

Federico Valverde, captain of Real Madrid, spoke after the 2-1 victory over Inter in the first round of the Champions League group stage at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Federico Valverde spoke about receiving the Man of the Match award: "No, I honestly can't believe it. I think we had a fantastic first half. I believe this award is largely thanks to Courtois, he saved us today and put in an amazing performance, so I think this award is for him as well."

Regarding the details of the match, he explained: "Yes, in the end we had chances, but always when we play our style. When the second half came and we didn't play our style, we suffered a lot, which shouldn't happen especially at our home. I think we should have imposed our style of play; we rushed too much when finishing attacks and going forward, and we lacked the patience to keep possession of the ball and play and rest a little, especially for the back line. This is what made the match crazy and made us always go back to defend."

Regarding José Mourinho's instructions on controlling the match, Valverde said: "Yes, yes, he asked us to have more possession of the ball, especially in their stadium, and to play more fluidly and calmly. And that is what we did not do; in the end, we have to be critical of ourselves. It is true that we won and it is important to start with a win, but we players must realize that we had a poor second half, we got dragged into playing their style, and we did not deliver a great match."

Regarding the missed chances: "Yes, exactly. In the end, when you don't score the goal... We had many opportunities, and as I told you, it wasn't through our style but through counter-attacks and their mistakes that left them exposed at the back. Did we create clear chances? Yes, many of them, but we also suffered a lot."

He continued: "It's always important to start with a win and regain that confidence that may have dipped a little after the draw against Betis. Today we regained it, but as I told you, we must be aware and critical of ourselves that we did not play our usual game."

Speaking about the Ballon d'Or, Federico Valverde said: "I hope that one of the Real Madrid players wins it. I am happy to be able to contribute as a teammate so that any of them can win it and achieve their dream and desire to win the Ballon d'Or."

He concluded about the fans' anger: "Yes, of course, they are completely right. And we, the players, as I have told you repeatedly, must realize that we need to improve, and that things need to be clearer for us, especially when we are on the pitch. When we are ahead, we need to show more patience and calm and play with our fans. In the end, it is always great when we press, play forward, and create more chances."