Mourinho explains Valverde substitution as Real Madrid avoid unnecessary risk
José Mourinho said Federico Valverde was withdrawn against Rayo as a precaution after feeling discomfort around his Achilles.
Federico Valverde did not return for the second half of Real Madrid’s 4-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano. José Mourinho revealed after the match that the midfielder had felt discomfort around his Achilles and was withdrawn as a precaution.
Madrid were already leading 3-0 at halftime, allowing Mourinho to protect one of his most important players without compromising the result. Eduardo Camavinga replaced Valverde for the second half.
MOURINHO CLARIFIES THE DECISION
Speaking to the club’s television channel after the game, Mourinho described the substitution as a preventive measure. His comments were subsequently reported by the Spanish newspaper AS.
“The Valverde substitution was a precaution. He felt something around his Achilles and we have to manage it,” Mourinho explained.
The wording matters. Mourinho did not announce an injury, provide a diagnosis or suggest that Valverde would be unavailable for the next match. Real Madrid have not issued a medical statement or confirmed that the midfielder will undergo tests.
For now, the only confirmed information is that Valverde reported some discomfort and the coaching staff decided not to expose him to further risk.
MADRID MANAGE A DEMANDING SCHEDULE
The match came only a few days after Real Madrid’s demanding Champions League fixture against Inter. Mourinho pointed to both the physical and mental effort required from his players during a busy period.
Madrid had effectively settled the contest during the opening half. Kylian Mbappé converted a penalty before Álvaro Carreras doubled the advantage, while Jude Bellingham added the third goal before the interval.
Rayo pulled one back through Sergio Camello early in the second half, but Madrid retained control and Mbappé completed his brace late in the game to secure a 4-1 victory.
Mourinho admitted that his team were not as impressive after halftime, but he praised the players for their work and considered the result fully deserved.
NO CONFIRMED INJURY AT THIS STAGE
Valverde’s condition should currently be described as a fitness concern rather than a confirmed injury. Further information will be required before drawing conclusions about his availability.
The decision to remove him made sporting sense. Madrid held a comfortable lead, Camavinga was available from the bench and there was no reason to test whether a minor warning could develop into something more serious.
Mourinho chose caution, Madrid protected a key midfielder and the team still completed a convincing victory. Attention will now turn to the next training session and whether Valverde is able to work normally with the squad.
