Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois talked to the press immediately after the team’s 1-2 loss against Barcelona in the pre-season El Clasico played in New Jersey this Saturday. Courtois wasn’t too concerned about the defeat.
“We play matches in these pre-seasons that are interesting for the fans and for the public that goes to the stadium. In the end, the stadiums fill up when Real Madrid plays. It’s obvious that we don’t like to lose against Barcelona. Even if it’s pre-season, you don’t want to lose. But in the end, when it counts is during the season, and as Carvajal said last season, when the time comes, we’ll see what happens. It has been a mixed match, combining young players with experienced ones in the first team, both for us and for them. That’s all,” said the goalkeeper.
Courtois was also asked about Endrick and the goalkeeper shared his thoughts about the Brazilian wonder kid.
“He is not very tall, but he is very strong in his legs. It’s a bit like how I knew Eden [Hazard] at Chelsea, who has strong legs. You can kick him and he will stay on his feet. And he has a lot of power in his shot. In training, I’ve seen him shoot with power. Above all, I think he needs to be a little calmer. I don’t know if he’s a bit nervous but he will get better with time,” he added.
The goalkeeper also explained how he’s feeling this summer after recovering from the two knee injuries he suffered last season.
“I am feeling very well, it always helps to be with the team from day one. I feel a bit sorry about the second goal, as I miscalculated the bounce a little, because it bounces a bit oddly on the field. I neither touched it with my hand nor my foot, it goes between your legs and leaves you with a bit of a bad taste, but it’s better that it happens now than in the season. These are moments to keep learning, also as a goalkeeper. I feel good with the saves, coming out for high balls and also in the passes. We made some good passes with the foot today. It’s what the coach and Llopis ask of me and we keep doing it,” he explained.
Naturally, Courtois was also asked about backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, who could be on his way out of the club this summer.
“Everyone has to choose what they think is right. I am not the one to decide for him. I understand that he played a lot last year and wants to keep playing. He has to choose his path to get the best out of his career. He is a great goalkeeper and deserves the best,” he said.