In a recent press conference ahead of Real Madrid‘s clash with Juventus, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois addressed the challenges faced by teammate Vinicius Jr, particularly in high-pressure situations. When asked about how the young Brazilian handles conflicts on the pitch, Courtois acknowledged the difficulties of playing under intense scrutiny, stating, “It’s not always easy when an entire stadium is after you, when players are hitting you.” He emphasized Vinicius’s growth in managing these pressures, noting that he has learned to thrive despite opponents’ attempts to unsettle him.
Courtois drew parallels between Vinicius’s situation and that of other notable players who have faced similar challenges. “He’s been improving. They’re trying to take you out of the game. I think he’s learned to live with it and even unnerve opponents,” he remarked. The Belgian international referenced Diego Costa during his time at Atlético Madrid and Eden Hazard at Chelsea as examples of players who successfully navigated such pressures. Courtois added, “Many of you have made fun of him. He arrived as a child… the other day, without provocation, they’re trying to unhinge him. His entry was very good. His response was also good.”
Courtois Prepares for Juventus Challenge
As Real Madrid gears up for their match against Juventus, Courtois acknowledged the Italian giants’ reputation as a formidable opponent despite their current struggles. “Juventus is a European giant. They’re not on a good run, but that makes them more dangerous,” he noted. He emphasized that the team’s preparation remains consistent: “The preparation is the same: rest, work, train, and eat well.” The goalkeeper also highlighted the critical role of fans at the Santiago Bernabéu, stating that a passionate crowd can significantly impact the game by providing extra energy to the players.
Reflections on Personal Milestones and League Issues
Courtois took a moment to reflect on his personal achievements as he approaches 300 appearances for Real Madrid. “Very proud. When I was a kid, I dreamed of playing for Real Madrid… well, imagine 300,” he expressed with evident pride. However, he didn’t shy away from discussing broader issues affecting La Liga, particularly regarding player welfare in light of international fixtures. “Yes, absolutely,” he said when asked about potential tampering with competition due to games played abroad. He contrasted this with leagues like the NFL and NBA where decisions are collectively made by team owners.
On tactical aspects of recent games, Courtois acknowledged defensive lapses that led to goals from set pieces in previous matches. “Going back to the derby, the goals came from set pieces… I think we can improve on that,” he said while affirming that overall defensive performance has improved with all players contributing effectively.
Censorship and Officiating Concerns
The conversation then shifted to La Liga’s handling of player protests and officiating concerns. Courtois commented on perceived censorship within league communications: “I don’t know what surprises you. They’ve been doing this for a while… It’s censorship; it’s manipulation; it’s serious.” His comments reflect growing frustration among players regarding transparency in officiating decisions and league governance.
Finally, Courtois weighed in on Arsène Wenger’s proposed changes to offside rules, questioning their practicality: “I don’t know if it’s the best… Sometimes a millimeter offside doesn’t help you score.” He raised valid points about how technology measures offside positions and its implications for game flow.
Looking ahead to crucial matches in La Liga and European competitions, Courtois emphasized the importance of finishing in the top eight: “It makes things easier and relaxes you for a week in February without two games. A win would give us nine out of nine.” As Real Madrid prepares for their upcoming fixtures, all eyes will be on how they perform under pressure—both from opponents and their own expectations.
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