Thibaut Courtois addressed the media ahead of Real Madrid‘s clash with Juventus, offering insights into Vinicius Jr’s development under pressure. The Belgian goalkeeper discussed how the young forward has been handling conflicts on the pitch, especially when faced with hostile crowds and aggressive opponents. “It’s not always easy when an entire stadium is after you, when players are hitting you,” Courtois remarked. He emphasized that Vinicius has shown significant improvement, learning to cope with such challenges and even unsettle rival players. “What he’s doing is fine; it’s similar to what Diego Costa did during my time at Atlético or what Hazard showcased at Chelsea. He arrived as a child, and even when provoked, he responds well. His entry into the game was impressive, and he must continue in this vein.”
Looking ahead to the match against Juventus, Courtois acknowledged the Italian giants’ reputation in European football. Despite their recent struggles, he warned that such circumstances can make them more unpredictable and dangerous. “Preparation remains consistent: rest, work, train, and eat well,” he stated. He also highlighted the vital role of fans at the Santiago Bernabéu, noting that a charged atmosphere can intimidate opponents and energize the team. “When the Bernabéu is like a volcano, it gives us extra energy,” he added.
Courtois Reflects on Milestones
Courtois also took a moment to reflect on his personal achievement of reaching 300 appearances for Real Madrid. “I’m very proud. As a kid, I dreamed of playing for this club; reaching 300 is surreal,” he expressed with evident pride.
Concerns Over Competition Integrity
The goalkeeper did not shy away from discussing broader issues affecting La Liga, particularly regarding competition integrity. Addressing the upcoming match in Miami, he stated, “Absolutely, it affects competition. Unlike leagues like the NFL or NBA where all owners vote on decisions, here it’s imposed without adhering to players’ agreements.” He argued that every team should face equal challenges both home and away, emphasizing that matches should not be manipulated for commercial interests.
On defensive matters, Courtois pointed out areas for improvement following their recent derby performance where goals conceded stemmed from set pieces. “We can improve on that front,” he admitted while acknowledging their overall defensive solidity with eleven players on the pitch.
Censorship in Football
The goalkeeper voiced concerns about censorship within La Liga’s media coverage, stating, “I don’t know what surprises you about this; it’s been ongoing for a while.” He criticized the lack of transparency regarding protests and communication from league officials as serious issues that need addressing.
The Offside Debate
Courtois shared his thoughts on Arsène Wenger’s proposed changes to offside rules, questioning their efficacy. He remarked, “I’m not sure if it’s the best solution; sometimes a millimeter offside doesn’t help scoring opportunities.” He raised concerns about VAR’s ability to accurately measure such fine margins and how it might influence teams’ defensive strategies.
As Real Madrid aims for a strong finish in the top eight of their group stage in Europe, Courtois stressed its importance: “A win would give us nine out of nine points. A solid start sets the tone for finishing strong.” With lessons learned from earlier defeats this season against Milan still fresh in mind, his focus remains sharp as they prepare for what promises to be a challenging encounter against Juventus.
Comments
0 comments
Sign in to comment