Ahead of the Champions League game against Brest in France, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois spoke to the media and addressed a range of topics. One of them was the slim chances of finishing in the top eight and avoiding a play-off round. On that, Courtois said, ”the important thing is to win the game, I can’t speculate anything, you can get on, get off… it’s not just this game that we should win, there were others… Let’s see where we end up, let’s see if we end up as high as possible.”
Courtois on Brest
”I think we are defending better. Brest is a physical rival, with an attack that is very looking for the aerial game. I am very surprised by what they are doing in this Champions League, they deserve to be where they are. I don’t know the players, only the goalkeeper, because he has played in Belgium, I watched the game against Leverkusen, we have seen images of them, we have worked on them with the coach. It’s going to be an intense game.”
Courtois on Mbappé
”He’s one of the best, we’re lucky to have him, Jude, even Rodrygo… it’s better to have him on your team than against him.”
Courtois on Ancelotti’s demands for defensive commitment
“Sure, it’s important to start better from the first minute. Starting each half well costs us. The game makes it meaningless complicated for you, you have to improve the whole team, also the strikers, cover the gaps well, to get far you have to defend well.”
Courtois on whether the team has suffered too much in the Champions League
”There are quite a few things to take into account, there are those who say that eight games help the big teams, but being in the top eight is very complicated, there are big teams who are having a hard time and some of the humble sides are doing well, anyone can be a favourite.”
Courtois on Real Madrid’s performances in big games and the upcoming Madrid derby
”There are many games left for that derby… We play what we have to do. We have reacted well, but yes, we have to take a step against the big teams.”
Courtois on David Alaba
“Being out for a year doesn’t make you pick up the pace from one day to the next, I see him very well, he only has to gain a little confidence, it is a process that only knows the one who has lived it, you don’t see the end of the tunnel, I encouraged him and told him that soon he was going to touch the ball again. The team is very happy for him. From here to the end of the season it will certainly be an important piece.”