Courtois takes responsibility after Madrid’s defeat to City

Thibaut Courtois addressed the media following Real Madrid‘s disappointing 1-2 loss at home to Manchester City, expressing a blend of accountability and frustration. The Belgian goalkeeper firmly believes that his team deserved at least a draw, if not a victory, given their performance on the pitch. Courtois openly acknowledged his role in City’s first goal, stating, “The equalizer was a bit of my fault; it came right at me and I couldn’t get to it.” This admission highlights a rare lapse from the usually reliable shot-stopper, who later made several crucial saves to keep Madrid in contention.

Reflecting on the match, Courtois pointed out that key moments and decisions shifted the game’s momentum. He noted, “When things are going against you, you go for an opponent instead of a teammate,” referencing a contentious penalty decision that allowed City to extend their lead to 2-1. He added that there was an incident involving Antonio Rüdiger that contributed to the equalizer, further illustrating the tight margins that can decide such high-stakes encounters.

Second Half Resurgence

Despite the setbacks, Courtois remained optimistic about Madrid’s second-half performance. “In the second half, they started better, but from the 60th minute, we took control of the game and deserved to equalize,” he remarked. The goalkeeper’s belief in his team’s capabilities underscores their potential for improvement as they look to bounce back in future matches. “We should have won; it’s a silly draw. Suddenly you’re losing,” he lamented, pointing out missed opportunities that could have changed the outcome.

Backing Xabi Alonso Amidst Scrutiny

Courtois also addressed speculation regarding the pressure on manager Xabi Alonso amid recent league struggles. “Xabi? We don’t see it as an exam; we want to win matches,” he asserted, emphasizing the squad’s commitment to their coach. With too many points dropped in the league this season, Courtois insisted that they are fully behind Alonso and remain focused on executing their game plan. “We played well and gave 100%. It just wasn’t meant to be,” he concluded.

As Real Madrid reflects on this defeat, questions linger about their ability to convert performances into points. With upcoming fixtures on the horizon, will they be able to turn their potential into tangible results? Only time will tell.