Aguirre: "Mbappé has unstoppable one-on-one, but we are eleven"

Atlante manager Aguirre acknowledges Mbappé's individual brilliance but insists the team must work collectively to neutralize Real Madrid ahead of Saturday's Mestalla clash.

Atlante manager Javier Aguirre has outlined his tactical approach to facing Real Madrid at Mestalla on Saturday, acknowledging the challenge posed by Kylian Mbappé while emphasizing the need for collective team effort. "He has an unstoppable one-on-one, but we are eleven and we will try to neutralize all of Real Madrid," Aguirre said in his pre-match press conference.

Aguirre stressed that Valencia must play a near-perfect match to have any chance of victory, their first at home this season. He rejected any notion of defeatism, saying: "We go with the ambition to win. You play against a great European and world club, with a great coach and great players, but many things happen in a new match. We will fight for sure."

On containing Mbappé specifically, Aguirre emphasized limiting space and preventing the French forward from exploiting his pace and finishing ability. The manager also praised José Mourinho, Real Madrid's coach, as a friend and respected figure in football, and highlighted the importance of Valencia's supporters in creating an intense atmosphere at home.