Courtois appeared in an online press conference at the King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh ahead of the Spanish Super Cup final clash with Athletic (Sunday, 7:30pm CET).
Real Madrid will face Athletic Club in the Super Cup final on Sunday, meeting the Basque side for the second time after facing them in LaLiga Santander on December 1st and 22nd.
“It’s almost like the NBA, playing Athletic so many times,” Thibaut Courtois said in the player news conference when asked whether this makes it more dull or if it can be an advantage to have faced the same team so many.
However, each football match is unique, and tomorrow’s game could be rather different from the previous ones.
The back-to-back cup and league games against Elche next week should also be different.”
“We have many players with finals experience,” Courtois says, “but our opponents also played three finals last season and won one of them.”
We’ll be motivated by the coach before the game tomorrow, but we don’t need much because we’re playing for a trophy. Last season, we didn’t get to play in any finals.”
Real Madrid’s most recent final was against Atlético Madrid in the 2019/20 Super Cup. Then Real Madrid prevailed on penalties, with Courtois playing a crucial role.
(Courtois)
When asked if he believes that was a turning point in his Los Blancos career, the Belgian responded that he believes the turning point happened before that.
“I think the game away at Galatasaray was the one that changed my tenure here the most,” he said, “since I went on a run of terrific form after that.”
Then there was saving that penalty in the shootout. I had a good season last year as well, but because we didn’t win any trophies, it may be forgotten by those outside the club.”
Courtois discusses the new center-back duo
Courtois was asked about the transition from Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane to David Alaba and Éder Milito at his press conference. “I’ve enjoyed playing with all four,” he remarked.
Real Madrid legends Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos. Mili, Nacho, and Alaba, on the other hand, have formed a fantastic partnership with us.
This season, we haven’t given up many goals. We’re hoping for another strong defensive performance tomorrow.”
Courtois on Defending set pieces
The goalkeeper also addressed the subject of defending set pieces, saying, “Set pieces are essential in modern football because you can score from nothing.” This season, we’ve adjusted our positioning at corners and freekicks, which has required adaptation, but I believe we’ve done so successfully. Tomorrow, we’ll have to be focused and strong at set pieces, as well as in general defense.”
Courtois on criticism of Real Madrid’s style of play
“I don’t think we’re a counter-attacking team,” the goalie said when asked about the squad’s style of play and the criticism that it is overly concentrated on the counter attack. We’re a group that can play in a variety of styles.
We have the option of having possession or putting up a stronger defense. Starting with me, we can play the ball out from the back.
Then there are games like the one you played the other day, when you’ll have to defend more. With Vini, Rodrygo, and Karim’s pace, it makes sense to play on the counter from time to time.
When it’s time to attack, we can attack, and when it’s time to defend, we can defend.
Courtois on Hazard’s lack of playing time
Eden Hazard has been relegated to the bench, and Courtois was asked about his international teammate.
“Hazard is trying, he’s very motivated but there’s Vinicius on that flank. Hazard has shown he can be useful for us.”
“These selections are difficult for the coach when so many wingers are performing well,” he remarked.
(Eden Hazard)
Vincius has one spot, but there are a lot of people vying for the other wing. Eden, on the other hand, has performed admirably when given the opportunity.
If he plays tomorrow, I’m confident he’ll do well.”
Courtois on the development of Vincius
“I’ve seen him since the first day and he’s certainly improved,” Courtois said of Vincius, who joined the club the same year as Courtois. He’s improving with age, confidence, and perhaps a mental sense of liberation.
After working hard in many sessions with Zidane and speaking with Karim last year, he’s getting better at finishing. He has a lot of talent, and it’s starting to show this season.
He scored the game-winning goal against Barcelona the other day, and it was a difficult finish. “Everyone in this place is ecstatic for him.”
Courtois on lightening At the King Fahd Stadium
The King Fahd Stadium’s floodlights have made headlines, with players expressing their dissatisfaction with the lighting during the semi-finals.
“It’s true that the illumination isn’t as clear as it is in the Spanish league, where night games feel like day games,” Courtois said.
You must adjust to it. It’s more different than awful, in my opinion.”
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