“They were two very tough days, very upset by the defeat,” he told reporters on Monday. “We talked a lot; since I’ve been at Madrid, that’s rarely happened, so many conversations. We have to change as quickly as possible. We emphasized the attitude on the pitch. Also with the coach, there were many conversations. We have to change as quickly as possible. We emphasized the attitude on the pitch. Also with the coach, there were many conversations. [On Tuesday], the first game, to change all that.”

The midfielder was particularly critical of the team’s mentality at the Metropolitano, stating that a lack of application was unacceptable. “These are games where you don’t even need to shout in the locker room to get motivated. These things can’t happen, not at Madrid or anywhere else. You have to motivate yourself with any game, especially in a derby. We can fail in many ways, but attitude is non-negotiable. It’s the first step to show that we want to win,” Valverde insisted.

He specifically pointed to the start of the second half, adding: “We came out as if a draw would do the trick. We have to change that, starting with this game. As a key player for this team, we have to move on from that moment and take this game as an opportunity to grow.”

Manager Alonso sought to broaden the analysis, stating the defeat was not solely down to mentality. “It wasn’t just attitude. It was also rhythm, tactical aspects, aspects of the game,” the coach explained.