Fede Valverde has called out Real Madrid's lack of discipline after securing a 2-1 Champions League victory over Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday. Despite collecting the man-of-the-match award following a clinical second-half finish, the Uruguayan midfielder was critical of his team's overall execution and admitted the players failed to implement their manager's tactical gameplan.
The win extends Madrid's unbeaten European run, but the performance raised alarm bells just days after a 1-0 La Liga defeat to Real Betis. Valverde revealed that manager Jose Mourinho explicitly instructed the squad to maintain possession and remain composed, yet the team abandoned this approach in the second half. "He told us very clearly that we had to keep the ball more and stay calm, but we didn't do that," Valverde explained to Movistar. The midfielder's honesty highlighted a recurring issue: inconsistent discipline and failure to impose themselves at home.
Defensive Vulnerabilities and Missed Opportunities
Real Madrid's backline endured sustained pressure, with Thibaut Courtois delivering a masterclass performance, making seven crucial saves to keep his side ahead. Valverde acknowledged the team's defensive struggles and erratic rhythm: "We had chances, but without playing our way. Counter-attacks and mistakes... we suffered a lot." The gap between Madrid's early-match intensity and their second-half passivity left supporters frustrated, a sentiment Valverde validated. "They have every right. We have to improve and things have to be clear for us," he admitted.
The midfielder's self-criticism signals growing concern within the Merengues camp about consistency. After European matches historically demand technical control and precision, Real Madrid's surrender of midfield dominance against an organized Inter side exposed tactical brittleness. Valverde emphasized the need for sharper execution: "We are aware that we produced a poor second half, and we didn't play our way."
With the Champions League league phase underway and domestic pressure mounting following the Betis loss, Madrid must rediscover the control that defined their recent trophy-winning campaigns. Valverde's transparency suggests the dressing room recognizes the gap between current standards and the consistency required to win silverware this season.
