Key Takeaways:
- Fede Valverde issued a statement on Instagram following Real Madrid’s narrow win over Olympiakos last night
- The Uruguayan rejected suggestions of discord with Xabi Alonso and reaffirmed squad cohesion
- Several key players and staff delivered messages of unity before and after the Olympiakos match
Valverde Addresses Speculation After Olympiakos Encounter
Real Madrid vice-captain Fede Valverde has actively joined efforts to project solidarity within the squad, taking to social media in the aftermath of a tightly-contested victory against Olympiakos on Wednesday evening. Valverde, who stood in as captain during the encounter, has faced scrutiny this season regarding both his performances and his relationship with manager Xabi Alonso.
🚨 Valverde sur IG : "Après une semaine de nombreuses rumeurs dans la presse, nous sommes plus unis que jamais.
Avoir Vini et Mbappé, c'est une chance, mais jouer pour la meilleure équipe du monde, c'est un honneur.
Personnellement, je travaille à retrouver mon meilleur niveau.… pic.twitter.com/YlCLsol1e4
— Real France (@realfrance_fr) November 27, 2025
The Uruguayan international, grouped by media outlets alongside Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior as a player reportedly dissatisfied with Alonso’s methods, used Instagram to publicly refute such claims and to discourage ongoing speculation about team harmony.
Instagram Statement from the Captain
Although Valverde chose not to address the media following the win over Olympiakos, he posted the following message on Instagram:
“After a week of many things being said, we are more united than ever.
Having Vini and Mbappé is luck, but having the best team in the world committed is an honour.Personally I’m working on getting back to my best level. Mister has always been by my side, supporting and doing his best to continue to grow and help the team.
It’s not always easy, but the technical staff and players are more united than ever.”
Support From the Squad and Technical Staff
Valverde is the latest Real Madrid figure to make a public show of unity. Prior to the Olympiakos fixture, Alvaro Carreras told reporters that the team’s dressing room environment remained positive, and both Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni reinforced messages of togetherness. In the aftermath, Xabi Alonso was seen embracing Vinicius Junior and addressed signs of progress within the squad in the build-up to the match.
Additionally, Kylian Mbappé urged teammates to ‘protect Alonso’ during a post-match interview in the mixed zone, underlining the commitment across the dressing room to support the manager and maintain a cohesive front.
| Player | Message of Unity | Occasion |
|---|---|---|
| Fede Valverde | Instagram post affirming cohesion | After Olympiakos victory |
| Alvaro Carreras | Spoke to media about positive dressing room | Pre-Olympiakos match |
| Eduardo Camavinga | Echoed support for team unity | Pre-Olympiakos match |
| Aurelien Tchouameni | Stressed squad solidarity | Pre-Olympiakos match |
| Xabi Alonso | Embraced Vinicius and commented on squad progress | Post-match |
| Kylian Mbappé | Called for collective support of manager | Mixed zone, post-match |
