Ancelotti jokes about Valverde’s form: ‘It’s a shame he isn’t Brazilian’

Carlo Ancelotti has jokingly said he wishes Federico Valverde held a Brazilian passport after the midfielder’s recent standout performances for Real Madrid.

Valverde followed up his hat-trick against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League with another superb goal in Saturday’s victory over Elche, continuing a remarkable run of form.

Speaking to Marca, Ancelotti, who previously coached Valverde during his time at Real Madrid, said he was not surprised by the Uruguayan’s decisive display against City.

Ancelotti praises Valverde’s quality

Asked whether the midfielder’s hat-trick had caught him off guard, Ancelotti responded humorously.

“It didn’t surprise me, I kept my coaching license for a reason… but the three goals were incredible,” Ancelotti said.

“I sent him a message. I told him, ‘It’s a shame you don’t have a Brazilian passport.’”

The Italian coach, now managing the Brazil national football team, joked that he would gladly include Valverde in his squad ahead of the upcoming World Cup if the midfielder were eligible.

Valverde thriving under Arbeloa

Valverde will look to maintain his form when Real Madrid face Manchester City again on Tuesday in the second leg of their Champions League Round-of-16 tie.

Madrid carry a commanding 3-0 advantage into the match, leaving City with a difficult task if they are to overturn the deficit.

The 25-year-old midfielder has been in outstanding form this season, registering seven goals and eight assists in 18 appearances across all competitions.

Under manager Alvaro Arbeloa, Valverde has flourished in a system that maximises his attacking instincts while maintaining his trademark energy in midfield.

Real Madrid’s latest win also keeps them firmly in the La Liga title race, with Los Blancos currently four points behind leaders Barcelona, who secured a 5-2 victory over Sevilla in Sunday.