Enrique Sanz Tebas loses his cool, attacks Courtois and mocks Real Madrid with the schedule
The president of LaLiga states that Madrid requested 21 days of rest and will have 20, and leaves a jab: 'They won't lose because of one day'
Javier Tebas has sparked controversy once again. The president of LaLiga has replied in an ironic and blunt manner to Thibaut Courtois's and Real Madrid's criticism regarding the schedule for next season.
The Belgian goalkeeper publicly complained about the lack of rest after the Club World Cup. Tebas replied sarcastically: "They wanted 21 days of preparation, they'll have 20. I don't think they'll lose to Osasuna because of one day."
Open tension after the Club World Cup
Madrid will return to domestic competition just 41 days (41 días) after playing the semifinal against PSG. The league debut is set for August 19 at 9:00 p.m. against Osasuna.
Courtois didn't hold back after the elimination.
"In LaLiga it's always the same. I haven't seen any league president talk like this. It seems Tebas doesn't like the Club World Cup and is seeking attention," he stated.
Tebas, far from softening his tone, has made it clear that nothing about the schedule will be changed. "PSG doesn't change it in France. Chelsea doesn't either in England. Here it won't be different," he said in an interview with Associated Press.
No postponement and no dialogue
LaLiga, together with the Federation, has decided to keep the planned schedule. There is no possible postponement. The stance is firm.
Tebas insists that the players will have enough time: 21 days (21 días) of rest and 21 days (21 días) of preparation. Even if it's 20 in the end, he jokes, "it won't be a reason to lose a match."
He also recalls that there have already been precedents. In 2024/25, neither Madrid nor Real Sociedad could count on several internationals for a matchday. Even so, nothing was suspended.
From the white club, the feeling is one of total incomprehension. They believe LaLiga hasn't been flexible nor considered the team's fatigue in a FIFA tournament.
The standoff is on. Tebas keeps the schedule. Courtois raises his voice. Real Madrid starts another season with the enemy at home.
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