Real Madrid’s Belgian goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, commented this Monday that he respects the opinion of Atlético de Madrid coach, Diego Simeone, about the incidents that occurred at the Metropolitano but “does not share” the idea that it is “a provocation.” although he acknowledged that he likes the “hot atmospheres” that are generated in derbies as long as “respect” prevails in them.
“I respect Simeone’s opinion, but I don’t share it. We have a different idea of what a provocation is. The important thing is that there can be no violence. I have no problem with those who encourage their team and create rivalry. Those derbies and I like to play hot games and it gives me more adrenaline,” said the goalkeeper in the press conference prior to the Champions League match between the white team and Dortmund at the Bernabéu this Tuesday.
Courtois explained that he understands rivalry always from “respect” for those who are playing and, therefore, without “violence.” “Sometimes there is a bit of play between a player and a fan, and I have no problem with them singing at me, but then if we score a goal there can be a small reaction without further ado. But we have to eliminate those fans who want to do harm and They are violent,” he noted.
Regarding the defensive aspect of the team, the Belgian goalkeeper pointed out that everyone’s “attitude” is always “to give their best.” “We always try to defend the eleven that we are on the field, but the opponent tries to hurt you, take you out of positions and sometimes we have a lack of communication. Nowadays many teams can hurt you and that is what we try to correct in training” , he added.
“Obviously, against Celta, we didn’t do some things so well, but that’s why we have the video analysis with the coach to correct it. Physically it’s not easy either after a very long season for some in which they have only had two or three weeks of rest. It’s not easy to keep up here, that’s why it’s important to keep winning those games and be in good shape for the end of the season,” he said about the team’s physical level.
The Belgian goalkeeper confessed that he has a great friendship with Borja Iglesias, who during the weekend’s match stated that the Belgian is ‘very good’. “In many games during these years, he tells me this many times. The other day, after Stuttgart, he sent me a video and told me that it was very hard. In the end I try to do my job and help the team in difficult moments, and I try that the score stays as it is and then we can score a goal,” he said.
“I try to make myself as big as possible and read what a striker wants to do, as well as play with the timing. When the striker has a lot of time you have to make him doubt where he can put it, and press very quickly and get out so that he doesn’t have space and see my two-meter wingspan, that’s why I throw myself with my arms and legs open. But it doesn’t always go well,” explained the Belgian about the way to face a head-to-head match.
Regarding the team’s ball delivery, Courtois is aware that they need to “adapt and look for new automatisms”, but that is not the result of “one or two months”. “We need games and training and I think we are going to improve. We are not as bad as they paint us, although it is true that sometimes we lack a little clarity in the passes or in the ideas,” he said.
The two-time European champion stated that he trusts “the team and the teammates” he has and that the club will decide if they need “some reinforcement.” Finally, the Belgian spoke about his relationship with Andriy Lunin: “I try to help him in training, and competition always makes you improve, but I understand that it is not easy when you have played a lot last year and now you have to play less. It is a great goalkeeper and I’m sure he will continue to help us,” he concluded.