Thibaut Courtois addressed the media alongside Xabi Alonso ahead of Real Madrid‘s clash with Juventus, shedding light on Vinicius Jr.’s resilience in challenging situations. When questioned about how the young Brazilian copes with hostility from opposing fans and players, Courtois noted, “It’s not always easy when an entire stadium is after you, when players are hitting you.” He praised Vinicius’s growth in handling such pressures, stating that opponents often aim to disrupt his game. “He’s been improving… I think he’s learned to live with it and even unnerve opponents,” he added, drawing parallels to Diego Costa’s tactics during his time at Atlético Madrid and Eden Hazard’s experience at Chelsea.
As Real Madrid prepares to face Juventus, a club renowned for its European pedigree, Courtois emphasized that despite Juventus’s recent struggles, they pose a significant threat. “They’re not on a good run, but that makes them more dangerous,” he warned. The goalkeeper highlighted the importance of maintaining their usual preparation routine—resting well, training diligently, and eating right—while also acknowledging the role of the Bernabéu crowd. “When the Bernabéu is a volcano, it impresses the opponent and gives us extra energy,” he said.
Courtois Reflects on Milestone Matches
Courtois also took a moment to reflect on reaching 300 appearances for Real Madrid, expressing immense pride in achieving this milestone. “When I was a kid, I dreamed of playing for Real Madrid… well, imagine 300,” he remarked with evident emotion. This personal achievement comes during a pivotal moment in the season as they aim for top honors in La Liga and Europe.
Concerns Over Competition Integrity
The Belgian goalkeeper did not shy away from discussing broader issues affecting the league, particularly regarding the impact of matches played outside Spain. He stated unequivocally that such decisions undermine competition integrity: “It doesn’t comply with the players’ agreement… everyone should play at home and away.” His comments reflect growing concerns about fairness in scheduling and player welfare.
On defensive matters, Courtois acknowledged areas for improvement following recent performances. “Going back to the derby, the goals came from set pieces… I think we can improve on that,” he noted. He mentioned that while they defended well as a unit against Getafe, there were moments requiring vigilance: “I had to be there in those final seconds.”
In response to questions about La Liga’s handling of protests and controversies within football governance, Courtois expressed his discontent with what he perceives as censorship and manipulation. “I’ve already said I’ve never seen a president speak the way they did… it’s serious,” he declared firmly.
Finally, addressing Arsène Wenger’s proposed changes to offside rules, Courtois shared his skepticism about their potential effectiveness. “Sometimes a millimeter offside doesn’t help you score… Where do you draw the line?” he queried rhetorically. His insights reflect ongoing debates among players and officials regarding rule changes aimed at enhancing game fluidity.
As Real Madrid gears up for their crucial match against Juventus, Courtois emphasized the significance of securing points early in their campaign: “A win would give us nine out of nine. The better you start, the better you finish.” With high stakes ahead, all eyes will be on how Vinicius Jr. and his teammates respond under pressure.
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