Real Madrid Confidencial Courtois, Very Angry, Points to Two Teammates After the Defeat: 'It's Unnecessary'
The Belgian goalkeeper pointed out to Alaba that he committed the first foul on Saka and to Bellingham that he fouled Thomas for Rice's goals
Thibaut Courtois Spoke Clearly. After Real Madrid's tough defeat against Arsenal (3-0), the Belgian goalkeeper didn't hide his displeasure.
He addressed the microphones of Movistar+ right after the match ended. His analysis was direct. His criticisms, too.
"They're Two Unnecessary Fouls"
"Declan Rice Scored Two Great Goals", he admitted. But he didn't hesitate to point out the origin of the plays. "They're two unnecessary fouls. Maybe they shouldn't be committed", he said annoyed.
The first foul was by David Alaba on Bukayo Saka. The second, a tackle by Jude Bellingham on Thomas Partey near the area.
Courtois Didn't Point Out Names. But the context makes it clear who his words were directed at. For him, mistakes can't be made in those areas.
Without the Ball, the Team Collapsed
The goalkeeper acknowledged that Arsenal was superior. "They press well. They play between the lines. In the first half, we knew how to counterattack", he explained.
But in the second half, the team fell apart. "We lost control. There was no calm with the ball. I wouldn't say it was panic, but it was nervousness", he added.
Courtois didn't avoid self-criticism. He took his share of responsibility for the free-kick goals: "I thought I had set up the wall well. I even added one more man. Maybe I could have added another. But I didn't expect so much curve", he said.
Despite everything, he keeps faith in the team. "If we score two quick goals at the Bernabéu, the third can come by itself", he assured.
He believes it's possible to turn the result around. But he also warned: what happened in London can't be repeated. "We have to learn. We can't allow more mistakes. Every detail counts", he stated.
Mentality for the Return
Real Madrid is obliged to achieve a historic comeback. Courtois, as a leader in the locker room, was very clear: "We have to correct those mistakes and go out with a different mentality in the return".
The specific errors and the disconnection in the second half were key in the defeat.
The Belgian is clear: only if the team plays as a unit and avoids childish mistakes, can they dream of a magical night at Santiago Bernabéu.
The tie isn't lost, but the reaction must be immediate.
More posts: