"Playing these games is what you dream of": Valverde ready for Madrid derby
"Playing this kind of match is what you dream of. It's a nice match for the players and the fans. We're going to try to win and close this rivalry by winning all three games," Valverde said in an interview on Real Madrid TV, referring to the two previous meetings with Simeone's side this season.
But this is a derby and, usually, what has gone before means next to nothing, not even the display at Liverpool on Tuesday. Because the charrúa recalls that not so long ago the critics were very critical of them.
"We are proud of what we have been doing and working with humility for the future. We are doing well. A few games ago we were criticised a lot and now we have to enjoy this moment and work as a team, united. There is still a long season and many competitions to win."
With a place in the Champions League quarter-finals an almost certainty, things have not been going so well in LaLiga for Real Madrid. Any slip up would almost leave the title on a plate for Barcelona.
Even so, Valverde doesn't want to think beyond the derby. Or not even that, lest he gets nervous.
"I'll try not to think too much about the game. We are professionals and we know we have to eat well, look after ourselves and rest. I'll play with the boy at home, calmly, enjoying the family."
Finally, the midfielder thanked the Madrid fans for the support he has received in recent weeks.
"I want to thank them for supporting me, not only at the stadium but also on a day-to-day basis and even when I went to pick up my son from school.
"We are all grateful: my family, my wife and my child. I want to tell them that this good moment I am living now is also because of them."