“He is a source of inspiration for us”

REAL MADRID: Federico Valverde captain for the first time: “It won’t be the last time”

DANIEL CEBALLOS about…

… the 3-0 win: “I think Madrid played a very complete game from start to finish. Luckily we scored the first goal at the end of the first half.”

… the increase in team performance: “We needed a bit of time, the players needed to get to know each other better. Today’s game wasn’t that easy because many of them had just returned from the national teams and we had little time to prepare. But the team is becoming more and more stable and is working well defensively. You could see that in the result today.”

… his physical condition: “I’ve been training for quite a while since my injury against Betis on matchday four. I feel very good physically and am happy that I was able to be on the pitch for 90 minutes.”

…Federico Valverde’s influence on the team: “Well, first of all I would like to congratulate him on his first game as captain of this team. This won’t be the last game. He has been working very hard for many years, comes from the Cantera and now he is rewarded with the captain’s armband. It doesn’t matter where he plays, whether in the center, on the sides or in defense, he always performs and makes great plays. He is a source of inspiration for each of us.”

…his 100th LaLiga game: “I am very happy to have played 100 games for this club. This is something very special and especially with the starting eleven and the victory. And now we have to look forward because we have a very important game ahead of us in the Champions League that we have to win.”

Federico Valverde explains his goal: “It’s the coach’s fault”

… the important victory and his first appearance as captain: “I’m happy because we’re getting closer and closer to Barça. And happy, because it’s a dream come true, not just for me, but also for my family – my wife, my sons, my dad. They were always there and we had the dream to achieve this together. My wife was there today, I would have been happy if my dad had been here too, because he accompanied me every step of the way. I am very happy and proud to represent Real Madrid.”

… the feeling of being allowed to be captain: “First and foremost, I would like to thank all the captains this club has already had: Sergio, Karim, Nacho, Marcelo, Toni, Luka, Lucas Vázquez, Carva. All of these captains instilled in me the values ​​of the club and what it means to wear this crest.”

… his free kick goal to make it 2-0: “It’s great. I’m happy that I can continue to score goals for this club, of course it’s the coach’s fault, who always insists that I take the ball and just shoot – and today it was in.”

… his performance at right-back: “I felt comfortable, I had great self-confidence. Of course, it’s always much easier when you have the support of the team, coach and coaching staff. That opens a lot of doors for you and I think I tried to do my best, like always, even in training. I try very hard to follow what Lucas and Carva are doing in this position.”

…his goal celebration: “I have seen this celebration a lot in American football. I talked about it with my son Benny and today I was able to cheer for him in this way.”

Kylian Mbappé happy: “I don’t care what position I play in”

KYLIAN MBAPPÉ about …

…the win against Leganés: “We came here to win. We knew how important the game was after Barcelona only drew yesterday. We started well, with a good rhythm, one or two touches of the ball and always in the opponent’s half. Then we score the opening goal, which is very important when you play away. Then we continue to play well and do the second and third.”

… his performance: “Good game. I started well and had a good rhythm with my teammates. I played in a different position in the last few games. But when I came here I said I could play anywhere and today I was somewhere else, next time the position will definitely change again. I’m ready to help the team and give my best.”

… the many position changes: “Yes, it’s been like that my entire career. I play left, right, center, with two teammates, it doesn’t matter to me. What I want is to play well, help the team and score a lot of goals.”

… his training during the international break: “Very good, it’s good for me to be here and train with the boys from Castilla. I didn’t know many of them, but they are all of high quality. Today I saw the result, I was physically fit.”

…of the Mbappé-Vinícius Duo: “We have a very good relationship. He is a great player. I also get along with everyone else. The best are playing here and we are ready to play together and win many games and titles.”

… Federico Valverde: “He is a very important player. When it comes to great players, people like to talk about the ones who stand out. But it is essential for us. He’s not talked about much, but he’s very important to us. He has already won many titles here and I hope that there will be many more and that he will continue like this.”