Federico Valverde’s wife, Mina Bonino, did not hold back in expressing her frustration with Carlo Ancelotti during Real Madrid’s 3-1 loss to AC Milan in the Champions League.
The Italian side took an early lead through Malick Thiaw, but Madrid drew level after Vinicius Junior converted a penalty. Shortly before halftime, Alvaro Morata found the net against his former side, and in the second half, Tijjani Reijnders added a third for Milan, sealing their triumph and leaving Los Blancos with much to reconsider.
Ancelotti’s decision to position Valverde on the right flank became a focal point for criticism.
Valverde, primarily a central midfielder known for his dynamic playmaking and defensive contributions, was substituted at halftime.
According to Forbes, his wife, Bonino, voiced her disapproval over her husband’s positioning in response to fans on X (formerly Twitter).
Bonino’s comments highlighted her dissatisfaction with the tactical deployment, noting that Valverde’s strengths lie in midfield, not on the wing.
Responding to a Madrid supporter, she wrote: “Fede plays best as a midfielder. What are you talking about? When are they going to understand once and for all that Fede isn’t a winger?”
Bonino also defended Valverde after a user criticised his defensive role in Morata’s goal, arguing that wingers are rarely blamed for defensive lapses:...Read Full Article [Click Here>]
“He’s playing as a winger. Did you know? Because I never see forwards being reproached for not dropping back, but the idiot who is everywhere is.”
Following the match, Ancelotti addressed Bonino’s remarks, brushing off the online critiques.
He explained, “From what people think on social media… for me, it’s very complicated.”
He further clarified his halftime decision to substitute Valverde, revealing that the player was dealing with back issues, as cited by Sporting News.
“It seemed like he had recovered because he trained well yesterday, but it seemed like he wasn’t at his best physical level; that’s why I changed him,” Ancelotti said, justifying the move based on fitness rather than tactics.
Relatedly, Carlo Ancelotti confessed his Real Madrid side has a ‘mental problem’ which needs urgent attention after their Champions League loss.
The result, their second defeat in this season’s UCL, leaves them 17th in the league phase table after four games.
