Real Madrid Confidencial Courtois corrects, clarifies the misunderstanding, and warns about Xabi Alonso's Madrid
The goalkeeper went to the mixed zone before Xabi appeared before the media ahead of Pachuca's match
Real Madrid will face Pachuca this Sunday (9:00 p.m. Spanish time) in the second match of the Club World Cup, and several members of the squad appeared before the media to analyze the clash against the Mexicans after the "slip" against Al-Hilal (1-1).
Thibaut Courtois was one of the players who spoke about the team's upcoming match, which will be played tonight in Charlotte (North Carolina) against an opponent he already knows. Los Blancos already defeated Pachuca last December 18 in the Intercontinental Cup final (3-0) held in Doha.
The Belgian goalkeeper wanted to clarify part of the statements he made after the debut in the World Cup this Wednesday. "We're trying to do different things, obviously, but in four days you can't change everything... After spending four years doing things with another coach, the previous automatisms are still there. We've tried to change things, like playing with a higher line and in a more aggressive way," Tibo said.
After some furious criticism, Courtois wanted to step up to put an end to the comments that have arisen in recent hours, also valuing the work they've done during these days in the group. "Xabi showed us videos of what we did wrong against Al-Hilal and what we need to do better," Tibo added.
Clarify everything
Aware of the stir caused by his words about the previous stage with Carlo Ancelotti, Courtois wanted to better explain his opinion. "I didn't say it as any kind of criticism. Not at all. We've won so much in the last four years! I just wanted to say that now it's something different," the goalkeeper stated.
"It's not a criticism but there comes a time when you have to adapt to something different, get closer to that style. It's not any criticism of the last four years, it's simply something different," said the "1", who left the door open for a possible contract renewal with the club. His contract expires in 2026.
"I hope I can renew. I'm very happy at Real Madrid, playing here is a dream and every extra year would be another dream. I'm at the club's complete disposal, they know I'd like to stay here... hopefully retire. But now it's time to prove myself on the field. The rest will be solved easily," Courtois concluded.
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