Before Real Madrid's trip to Greece for a Champions League match against AEK Athens, Jose Mourinho said in Athens that Federico Valverde may need to play wherever the team need him. Mourinho also said Real Madrid still need points to qualify.
Opening remarks in Athens
Mourinho opened his remarks by expressing shock at the death of Jesus de Miguel and extending condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
Valverde and the captaincy
Mourinho said: "I see Fede as an extremely important player for the team. The fact of being Real Madrid's captain makes him look around in a different way. When you are the captain, you have to be different. It is a responsibility and I think that will make him play wherever is necessary for his team and for his teammates. That is what a captain is to me and that is why I am convinced it will not be a problem for Fede to play wherever. If needed at left-back, he will do it because of the responsibility of a captain."
Options on the left wing
Mourinho said: "Don't forget Brahim, Endrick... We have a lot of quality players there. Having many players is never a problem for me. Diomande can play on both wings, Brahim too, Endrick on the right, but also on the left... Of all of them, Vini is the player best suited to playing on the left wing. We know that."
Qualification situation
Mourinho said: "The reality is that we still need points to qualify. We are close to the playoff, but not to direct qualification for the round of 16."
