Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has dismissed suggestions that midfielder Federico Valverde refused to play out of position for Los Blancos.
Alonso spoke ahead of Real Madrid’s La Liga fixture against Villarreal on Saturday night.
Valverde had told reporters that he “wasn’t born to play right-back” and was left out of the Real Madrid squad that defeated Kairat 5-0 in the Champions League in midweek.
His comments led to rumours of a rift between him and Alonso.
Speaking on the matter at his pre-match press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s clash with Villarreal, Alonso said: “Nobody has ever told me that they don’t want to play in a position. Everyone wants to play, but no one has told me that.
“Everyone is very well-disposed, and from there, I will be the one to decide. Let that be clear.
“I get the feeling that the team is the most important thing. When someone wants to play and doesn’t, it’s normal to be frustrated; it’s natural. It isn’t anything new.”
LaLiga: Alonso clears air on Valverde refusing to play out of position for Real Madrid