Valverde praises Mourinho as Real Madrid fight back to beat AEK Athens

Federico Valverde says Real Madrid’s ability to recover in matches comes from the belief shared by Jose Mourinho’s coaching staff and the players.

Real Madrid came from behind to defeat AEK Athens 3-2 in the fourth round of the league phase in the Champions League, with Valverde scoring the decisive goal in the 92nd minute.

The result maintained Real Madrid’s perfect record after four matches. They have 12 points, level with Paris Saint-Germain, while AEK Athens remain on three points.

Asked about Real Madrid’s repeated comebacks, Valverde said: “The credit goes to Mourinho’s coaching staff and the players as well. We never give up.”

He added: “The coaching staff believe in us, and we believe in one another. That is why we never stop trying.”

Valverde’s late strike completed a dramatic turnaround and secured three valuable points for Real Madrid in the league phase. His comments placed particular emphasis on the collective effort behind the team’s resilience, rather than focusing only on the winning goal.

The Uruguay international also spoke about Vinicius Junior and praised the winger’s determination to remain involved even when things do not go his way.

“The most important thing is that even when he makes mistakes, he keeps trying and continues to contribute to the team,” Valverde said. “The good things will come.”

Valverde has also been used at right-back and said he is studying the way Trent Alexander-Arnold and Denzel Dumfries play in that position.

“I am trying to learn from Trent Alexander-Arnold and Denzel Dumfries. They are role models for me,” he said.

“I am doing my best to learn how to become a better right-back and a better midfielder as well.”

Valverde ended by underlining his appreciation of working with Mourinho’s coaching staff.

“It is an absolute pleasure for me to play under this coaching staff,” he said.